Carlos Sainz Begins New Chapter with Williams in Abu Dhabi Post-Season Test
Carlos Sainz wasted no time making his mark as a Williams driver, debuting with the team during the official post-season test at Abu Dhabi’s Yas Marina Circuit. Fresh from a four-year stint with Ferrari, the Spanish driver took to the track in the FW46, signaling the beginning of a new chapter in his Formula 1 career.
The 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix post-season test allowed teams to put their 2025 Pirelli tire compounds through their paces. Sainz embraced the opportunity to familiarize himself with his new surroundings. It was a day of acclimation, adaptation, and setting expectations for what’s to come in 2025.
A Fresh Start with Williams
Sainz’s move to Williams marks a significant shift for the Spaniard, who found himself without a seat at Ferrari after the team signed seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton. Now at Williams, a team that has steadily climbed out of the F1 basement, Sainz is tasked with helping the British squad continue its resurgence.
Williams is Sainz’s fifth team in Formula 1, following stints with Toro Rosso (Now RB), Renault, McLaren, and Ferrari. While the FW46 is a far cry from the Ferrari SF-24 he drove to podium finishes this past season.
Getting Acquainted with the FW46
Sainz officially kicked off his Williams tenure on Tuesday morning, taking to the track shortly after the 9 a.m. start time. Over the course of the morning, he logged a total of 60 laps, setting a best time of 1m24.435s, which was enough to top the morning session.
For context, his best qualifying lap at last weekend’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in the Ferrari was 1m22.824s. While the times were incomparable due to differing conditions, car characteristics, and tire testing protocols, the session provided Sainz with valuable seat time in his new car.
The test also gave Sainz his first experience with Pirelli’s 2025 tire compounds, providing both the driver and the team with critical data as they prepare for next season.
Williams’ Two-Car Approach and the Road Ahead
The post-season test allowed teams to run two cars, providing ample opportunity for data collection and experimentation. Sainz, joined by Luke Browning, focused on different test programs throughout the day. This two-car strategy gave Williams a head start in integrating Sainz’s feedback into its development plans for 2025.
Williams, under the leadership of team principal James Vowles, has been steadily improving over the past two seasons. The team ended 2024 in a respectable position, and Sainz’s arrival is seen as a key step in their quest to return to consistent competitiveness.
A Strong Start in Familiar Company
Sainz’s name topped the morning timing sheets, ahead of former Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc and newly crowned Constructors’ Champion Lando Norris. While the lap times are secondary in a tire test, the consistency and reliability of Sainz’s runs highlighted his immediate adaptation to Williams’ environment.
Completed final results from the full day here.
Eyes on the Future
With a busy offseason ahead, Sainz and Williams are gearing up for what promises to be a transformative year. The Spaniard’s wealth of experience across various teams, combined with Williams’ upward trajectory, could make this partnership one to watch in 2025.
Sainz’s debut in the FW46 was not just the start of a new chapter for the Spaniard but also a signal of intent for Williams as they aim to climb further up the F1 grid.
If Tuesday’s test session is any indication, Carlos Sainz is ready to take on the challenge and lead Williams into a new era.
