Carlos Sainz Surprised by Williams’ Early Season Performance

MONACO, 22 May 2025 – Carlos Sainz has expressed his surprise at the Williams Formula 1 team’s impressive performance this season, as both he and teammate Alex Albon prepare for the Monaco Grand Prix this weekend. Sainz joined Williams for the 2025 season after parting ways with Ferrari, where he secured four race wins over four seasons.

Many speculated that Sainz would struggle with a less competitive car at Williams, especially with new regulations set to arrive in 2026. However, the 30-year-old driver has been pleasantly surprised by the team’s output, finishing in the points in four of the seven Grands Prix thus far, including three consecutive races, and achieving eighth place at the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix.

“I moved to a team that I knew had the potential to one day be at the level or even better than Ferrari. If not, I wouldn’t have chosen Williams,” Sainz stated. “It’s come earlier than expected. The team has surprised me in some very good ways.”

Sainz also highlighted his influence within the team, noting, “I can make a difference when the team listens to me and puts all the effort to improve the areas I’m asking them to improve. It gives me confidence that I know how to guide the team toward the right path. Together with Alex, we’re doing a very good job.”

Albon, who is in his fourth season with Williams, has had an even stronger season, achieving six points finishes. At the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix, he even competed closely with top drivers, including the Ferraris of Charles Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton, finishing in fifth position.

<p“What’s been good for us generally is we’ve made a step everywhere,” Albon shared. “It’s been really enjoyable to mix it with the top teams. It’s a nice change. We’re kind of on the line of careful optimism.”

As the team heads into Monaco, both Sainz and Albon aim to capitalize on their recent successes and push Williams further up the standings. Currently, Williams sits fifth in the constructors’ championship with 51 points, while Ferrari is fourth with 114 points.