Williams team boss James Vowles believes that the signing of Carlos Sainz Jr has already paid off, even before the first Grand Prix of 2025. The Spanish star has only completed a few test laps for the British racing team, but according to Vowles, he has already been able to provide crucial feedback. Sainz, who joined from Ferrari this season, has committed to Williams for the long term.
The 30-year-old Sainz made his debut for Williams shortly after his last race for Scuderia. During the so-called post-season test in Abu Dhabi, he clocked his first miles in the FW46. According to team boss James Vowles, the Spaniard was able to provide the team with useful feedback right away. “He is enjoying this challenge,” a proud Vowles said during the Autosport Awards. “You could see his mentality change when he got into the car in Abu Dhabi. He is already a part of our success story. In that respect, he fits perfectly with us.”
A Matter of Milliseconds
“Sainz is a brilliant individual,” continued the Williams team boss in his praise. “Not only does he have the ability to win races, but he also possesses the will and desire to make Williams successful.” Vowles revealed that he had sat down with Sainz and Williams veteran Alex Albon earlier that day. “We took three to four hours to go through the plans for the year. Their contributions, just like Alex’s, are essential to moving this team forward. We are now working on finding those extra milliseconds; the major costs no longer worry us. In just a few weeks, a positive momentum has really already been created.”
Although Charles Leclerc may have been overshadowed by Ferrari teammate Carlos Sainz in the past, Vowles is convinced that the Spaniard has played a crucial role in improving the Scuderia. “He leaves no stone unturned,” said the Brit. “I saw a statistic today that shows how he has positively influenced all his teams. Sainz is a hard and diligent worker who wants to make Williams a truly successful team.”
