Might 2, 2024; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz (55) talks to media upfront of the F1 Miami Grand Prix on the Miami Worldwide Autodrome. Obligatory Credit score: Peter Casey-Imagn Photographs Carlos Sainz is aware of the method of shifting Williams up the Method 1 grid will take a while, however the 30-year-old Spaniard mentioned his motivation to take action is “unbelievable.”
Sainz jumped in his Williams automotive for end-of-season testing on Tuesday, and posted the second-fastest time behind Charles Leclerc as groups tinkered with setups and run plans. Sainz and Leclerc have been teammates for the previous 4 years at Ferrari, the place they helped declare second place on this yr’s constructors standings.
Podiums and crew successes of that nature are nonetheless a great distance off for Williams, however Sainz mentioned that’s of no concern to him as he embarks on his greatest challenge after racing for Ferrari (2021-24) and McLaren (2019-20).
“I am not anxious about that,” Sainz informed DAZN Spain, per f1.com. “I’ve acquired that. I’ve accomplished that with Ferrari.”
Whereas Ferrari was overtaking Pink Bull and battling McLaren to finish the season in Abu Dhabi, Williams completed ninth out of 10 groups within the constructors standings. Whereas 17 factors left the crew 29 behind RB Honda for eighth place, Williams has been making regular strides since funding agency Dorilton Capital purchased the crew in 2020.
The extremely revered James Vowles introduced in Sainz, who was changed at Ferrari by seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, to supply a veteran driver pairing alongside Alex Albon. The trio are a part of a complete plan to return Williams to its glory days.
“Truthfully, folks will not consider it and might’t think about how a lot I am wanting ahead to what’s to come back,” Sainz mentioned.
“It might appear unusual to folks but it surely’s a challenge that motivates me rather a lot. It is in my thoughts to have the ability to assist a legendary crew like Williams in F1 to turn into a prime crew once more. Being a part of that motivates me rather a lot.”
Sainz is a four-time winner in Method 1, along with his most up-to-date victory coming on the Mexico Grand Prix in October. It was his second win this season, following his March victory in Australia. He has identified he could be out of a journey with Ferrari for the reason that Hamilton information broke in February, and Sainz took his time earlier than signing with Williams 5 months later.
The cut up with Ferrari was amicable, together with the crew releasing him early to take part within the end-of-season testing, however Sainz admitted it was a problem racing the complete season figuring out it will be his final with the legendary Italian outfit.
“I feel the way in which to face a yr like that is by no means superb,” he defined. “All the good years of one of the best sportsmen in historical past include a 100% crew, a challenge for the long run and everybody pushing in the identical route.
“And sure, I’ve observed that Ferrari has supported me always and all season lengthy. However whether or not you prefer it or not, when you recognize you are leaving on the finish of the yr, it is sophisticated to handle.
“We’ve all managed to remain out of it and maintain giving it our all. The tip of the season has been very good and an indication of energy that I feel will assist me in my subsequent initiatives.”
–Subject Stage Media
