The arrival of Carlos Sainz at Williams was one of the most talked-about moves ahead of the 2025 Formula 1 season, and at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, he delivered the kind of performance that justified all the hype.
More than just scoring points, Sainz demonstrated calm decision-making and tactical nous — traits that Williams has sorely needed in recent years. The former Ferrari driver finished eighth in Jeddah, but his biggest contribution came in how he helped teammate Alex Albon fend off a late-race attack from Isack Hadjar.
With Albon under pressure, Williams asked Sainz to stay just close enough to provide Albon with DRS, creating a buffer that proved decisive in holding position. Sainz was happy to comply — though he admitted there were nerves.
“The team asked me to give the DRS to Alex to make sure Hadjar didn’t have a chance of passing us,” Sainz told the press in Jeddah. “It’s a tricky one because you always feel like it exposes you… But in the end it worked, and I could show my pace in the last lap.”
Putting past lessons to good use
That teamwork wasn’t new for Sainz. Back in 2023, he famously executed a similar DRS strategy in Singapore, allowing Lando Norris to stay ahead of George Russell and seal one of the few non-Red Bull wins that season.
In Jeddah, the stakes were different — not victory, but critical midfield points — but the execution was just as clinical. After a rocky start to the year, Sainz finally looked at home in the Mercedes-powered FW47.
More from the Singapore GP
Catch up with Total Motorsport's latest Singapore GP coverage, including Max Verstappen's victory at Marina Bay, Ferrari's costly strategy gamble, the full race classification, and the updated 2026 Formula 1 Drivers' and Constructors' Championship standings.
He qualified a season-best sixth and stayed out of trouble during the race, resisting the urge to fight aggressively with faster cars like Lewis Hamilton and Lando Norris. His restraint ensured that Williams could focus on the long game — a double-points finish that boosted them to fifth in the constructors’ standings.
It marked a significant improvement over his weekend in Bahrain, where a spirited fight with Yuki Tsunoda ended in contact and forced an early retirement. This time, Sainz knew when to pick his battles.
A turning point for Williams
As Williams continues to rebuild under team principal James Vowles, the decision to bring in a seasoned, sharp-thinking driver like Sainz is already paying dividends. With the team not expected to bring major upgrades this year due to budget constraints, every point matters — and drivers who can maximise results on any given Sunday are essential.
There’s also a growing synergy between Sainz and Albon, with their teamwork in Jeddah hinting at a partnership that can deliver consistently. In recent seasons, Williams has often lacked the firepower to score with both cars, but with Sainz now fully integrated and racing smart, that’s beginning to change.
If the FW47 remains competitive, Sainz’s experience could prove invaluable in Williams’ push to stay ahead in the ultra-tight midfield.
