Carlos Sainz has embarked on what he describes as a life-defining mission to restore Williams F1 to its former prominence in the world of Formula 1. The Spanish driver’s determination to revive the historic team underscores a deep personal commitment, aiming to reestablish Williams as a top contender in the sport.
Sainz’s role at Williams puts him in rare company, joining past greats like Nigel Mansell and Alain Prost, who both raced and won championships with the team. Unlike Mansell and Prost, who joined Williams during peak years, Sainz faces the challenge of uplifting a team that has struggled in recent years. Williams has not won a Grand Prix since the 2012 Spanish GP and has been out of championship contention since 1997.
Williams’ Strategic Shift Under James Vowles’ Leadership
The Grove-based squad is undergoing a crucial rebuilding phase under the direction of team principal James Vowles, who has laid out an ambitious vision to restore Williams’ competitive edge. Sainz fully embraces this direction, and his passion for the project grows in response to the obstacles ahead.
Nothing would make me happier in my life than going into a project as young as Williams is and making it to the top with them,
Sainz revealed in an interview.
Building a family and winning with that family of people is the best story an athlete can create.
—Carlos Sainz, Williams F1 driver
Focus on Short-Term Goals to Achieve Long-Term Progress
Despite the high hopes for Williams, Sainz stresses a pragmatic approach, concentrating on immediate improvements rather than distant ambitions. While the team targets a fully competitive car package by 2028, Sainz is focused on incremental progress every six months to ensure steady development.
I prefer to think more short-term and cover the steps every six months,
he explained.
Now we’re defining next year’s car, and we have also six months ahead of us where we need to improve the race team.
—Carlos Sainz, Williams F1 driver
His priorities include refining race weekend performance and learning from this season’s difficulties, setting a solid foundation for future success.
Preparing for Changing Regulations and Technical Challenges
Sainz remains cautious about predictions for the upcoming season, aware that new regulations could significantly influence the competitive field. His focus is on contributing in technical areas such as simulator work to support the development of the next car.
It’s too early to know whether we will be outdeveloped or we will come up with a good car,
he said.
What I’m worrying about now is how I can help in the simulator to give us a better software for next year’s car.
—Carlos Sainz, Williams F1 driver
A Driving Force Behind Williams’ Ambitious Future
As Williams aims to reclaim its place among F1’s elite, Carlos Sainz stands as a symbol of hope and relentless ambition. His willingness to engage deeply with the team’s transformation highlights a determination to turn Williams into a powerhouse once again. Fans and followers of the sport will watch closely as Sainz’s bold vision unfolds, potentially defining his career and Williams’ legacy for years to come.
