When Carlos Sainz became available for the 2025 Formula 1 season, Williams team principal James Vowles did not hesitate. He saw more than a four-time race winner; he saw a wealth of strategic expertise crucial for Williams’ ambitions. This skill was on full display at the recent Saudi Arabian Grand Prix. Sainz’s strategic acumen helped Williams earn crucial points as he supported teammate Alex Albon in staving off competition from Racing Bulls driver Isack Hadjar, a maneuver that eased the team into fifth place in the constructors’ standings.
Carlos Sainz used the Drag Reduction System (DRS) strategy to his team’s advantage. The clever move was reminiscent of a similar tactic he employed during the 2023 Singapore Grand Prix, ensuring a solid team performance without letting a rival outsmart them in the final laps. Though the stakes in Saudi Arabia were not as high as that victorious race, securing eighth and ninth positions in Jeddah was essential for Williams’ aspirations this season.
Adjusting to the Williams car has posed challenges for Carlos Sainz, especially since Lewis Hamilton, Sainz’s replacement at Ferrari, acknowledged operating a car with a Ferrari powertrain differs significantly from his past experience. Sainz, new to a Mercedes powertrain, needed to adjust his braking techniques, an adaptation he seems to be mastering.
Previously in Bahrain, Sainz outqualified Albon, securing the eighth spot on the grid but faced setbacks due to battles he couldn’t win, which culminated in a collision with Tsunoda. Learning from past events, Sainz adopted a more measured approach in Jeddah, successfully advancing his qualifying position and avoiding unnecessary risks in a fiercely competitive environment.
Despite the team’s confidence in Sainz’s ability to deploy the DRS strategy, Sainz expressed reservations about the move. “The team asked me to give the DRS to Alex to ensure Hadjar didn’t pass us,” Sainz explained. “It’s tricky because it feels exposing, especially at a high-speed track where DRS significantly impacts. There’s always a risk of a mistake or crash. But it worked out, and I showed my pace in the last lap, which was great.”
He continued, “When the strategy is your own idea, you’re confident. But when it originates from the team, it’s harder to commit because it’s not innately yours. However, the right call was made.” Such strategic maneuvers are a rare luxury for Williams, highlighting the importance of Sainz’s presence and expertise in elevating the team’s prospects.
Previously, Williams lacked both the car and the driver lineup needed to simultaneously compete effectively. Memories of Albon and Colapinto’s performance in the top ten or the 2021 Hungarian GP, where Russell prioritized Nicholas Latifi for a significant points haul, provided glimpses of potential. Now, with Sainz almost entirely acclimatized, Williams is positioned to capitalize on emerging opportunities within the midfield.
The Saudi Arabian GP exemplified the exact reasons why Williams has long sought Sainz. His seamless integration and adaptability signal a promising future for the team, with James Vowles’ efforts behind the scenes becoming increasingly apparent. If the FW47 remains competitive, Williams can expect regular rewards from their strategic alliance with Carlos Sainz throughout the 2025 season and beyond.
