Carlos Sainz does not rate highly the chances of Williams securing a ‘surprise’ podium finish this season. The Spaniard notes that his new team needs to close a ‘three or four tenths’ gap before it can even compete with the top teams. A challenging task, according to the Madrid-born driver, especially in the era of the budget cap.
Carlos Sainz was informed a year ago that he had to make way at Ferrari for Lewis Hamilton. The Spaniard has since embarked on his new adventure with Williams, but his time with the British team does not look promising. Williams finished 2024 in ninth place in the constructors’ championship. Sainz explains that his new team therefore still has a significant gap to close.
“It would be a surprise,” the Madrid-born driver said during the F1 75 launch event when asked about possible podium finishes. “I think you’ve already seen and heard us talking about this year. We’ve discussed that it’s somewhat of a transition year, a preparatory year to get us ready for the opportunities that 2026 might bring.”
Challenge
According to the Spaniard, the ‘three or four tenths’ gap between Williams and the top teams is difficult to bridge in the era of the budget cap. “So I think it’s going to be a challenge to even get into the top ten,” Sainz admits. “If a podium does come along in the season, we will more than welcome it, but I don’t expect to go into the first race fighting for podium places or even top five.”
