Formula 1: Sainz Surpassing Expectations at Williams, Says Principal Vowles
Click to start listening
Synopsis
Williams Team Principal James Vowles has expressed admiration for Carlos Sainz, stating the Spanish driver is exceeding expectations early in the season. After signing Sainz for 2025, Vowles believes his investment is yielding benefits both on and off the track, highlighting Sainz's integration and performance as key factors.
Key Takeaways
- James Vowles praises Carlos Sainz's performance.
- Sainz is adapting to the FW47 car.
- Williams is currently fifth in the Constructors' Championship.
- Vowles acknowledges the competitive nature of the grid.
- Long-term focus remains on 2026 ambitions.
New Delhi, April 12 (NationPress) Williams Team Principal James Vowles has lauded Carlos Sainz, asserting that the Spanish racer is exceeding expectations just a few races into his time with the Grove-based team. Following the signing of Sainz for the 2025 season after Ferrari's major acquisition of Lewis Hamilton, Vowles is optimistic that his investment is already yielding results both on and off the track.
During the weekend of the Bahrain Grand Prix, Vowles noted that although Sainz is still acclimating to the FW47, the four-time Grand Prix victor has made a notable impact within the team's technical and engineering sectors.
“I believe we’re getting more than what I invested in [Sainz],” Vowles was quoted by Formula 1.com. “Performance can be measured in two ways: on-track speed and off-track contributions. While he’s still finding his pace in the FW47—a car quite different from the Ferrari—what has impressed me is how well he’s blended into the team.”
Vowles commended Sainz’s eagerness to work closely with aerodynamicists, race engineers, and various departments at the factory, highlighting his unyielding pursuit of marginal gains as a primary reason for bringing him on board. “That’s precisely why I sought him for this team,” Vowles stated. “And he’s performing well beyond my expectations.”
Williams has kicked off the 2025 season positively, currently positioned fifth in the Constructors’ Championship after earning points in all three initial rounds. Alex Albon has achieved top-10 placements in every race thus far, while Sainz contributed crucial points in China, indicating a growing confidence in his new setting.
While pleased with the early outcomes, Vowles remains focused on the long-term vision, especially the team’s ambitions for 2026. “This grid is incredibly competitive now; we’re talking milliseconds. Yet, we’ve managed to create a car that has propelled us to the upper echelons of the midfield while keeping our main developmental efforts aimed at 2026,” he elaborated.
Vowles acknowledged that there’s still potential for Sainz to improve once he is entirely comfortable in the FW47. “There’s further work to assist Carlos in adapting. However, once both drivers are fully in sync with the car, I believe we’ll pose a significant threat in the midfield battle.”
