Sainz Eyes Podium for Williams After Surprise Front Row Start in Baku
Carlos Sainz has set his sights on a dream podium finish for Williams at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix after a stunning second-place qualifying performance in one of the most tumultuous sessions in recent Formula 1 history.
Azerbaijan GP: Sainz Dreaming of Fairytale Podium for Williams
In a dramatic qualifying session defined by red flags and shifting weather conditions, Sainz capitalised on the chaos to secure a front-row start at Baku City Circuit. With his team last standing on the podium in 2014, the Spanish driver aims to end that drought on Sunday.
Strategic Qualifying
Sainz had a masterclass in timing, clocking his first timed Q3 lap just as rain began to fall. As the session unfolded, a series of crashes—most notably Charles Leclerc’s incident that brought out red flags—allowed him to remain in contention, eventually finishing just 0.4 seconds behind pole-sitter Max Verstappen.
“I think I’m going to give it my best to give Williams a first podium,” Sainz declared after the session, expressing a blend of ambition and pragmatism. “If it’s possible, great. And if it’s not, we will see.”
A New Hope for Williams
This year’s Azerbaijan GP presents a unique opportunity for Williams, a team that has experienced a challenging few seasons. Sainz’s stellar qualifying run suggests a significant turnaround in fortune for the squad. His performance, combined with the unpredictability of Baku, sets the stage for a thrilling race.
Reflections on Qualifying
Reflecting on the session, Sainz was visibly pleased with his performance: “Honestly, we nailed the qualifying today. Every time being on the right tyre at the right time and putting together some very strong laps,” he said. His ability to outperform rivals not in top-tier teams reinforces a growing belief within Williams that they can challenge for top positions.
With race day looming, the motorsport world will be watching closely as Sainz strives to convert his promising start into a memorable result for both himself and Williams. Can he deliver and change the trajectory of a storied team on the F1 grid? All eyes will be on Azerbaijan.