Carlos Sainz is aware of the method of shifting Williams up the System 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 12 months’s constructors standings.
Podiums and group 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 mission after racing for Ferrari (2021-24) and McLaren (2019-20).
“I am not apprehensive about that,” Sainz advised DAZN Spain, per f1.com. “I’ve obtained that. I’ve performed that with Ferrari.”
Whereas Ferrari was overtaking Purple 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 group 29 behind RB Honda for eighth place, Williams has been making regular strides since funding agency Dorilton Capital purchased the group 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, individuals will not consider it and may’t think about how a lot I am wanting ahead to what’s to come back,” Sainz mentioned.
“It could appear unusual to individuals but it surely’s a mission that motivates me quite a bit. It is in my thoughts to have the ability to assist a legendary group like Williams in F1 to turn into a prime group once more. Being a part of that motivates me quite a bit.”
Sainz is a four-time winner in System 1, together 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 experience with Ferrari because the 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 group releasing him early to take part within the end-of-season testing, however Sainz admitted it was a problem racing the total season realizing it could be his final with the legendary Italian outfit.
“I feel the best way to face a 12 months like that is by no means ideally suited,” he defined. “All the good years of the perfect sportsmen in historical past include a 100% group, a mission for the longer term and everybody pushing in the identical path.
“And sure, I’ve seen that Ferrari has supported me always and all season lengthy. However whether or not you prefer it or not, when you are leaving on the finish of the 12 months, it is difficult to handle.
“We have now all managed to remain out of it and hold giving it our all. The top of the season has been very good and an indication of power that I feel will assist me in my subsequent initiatives.”
–Subject Degree Media
