Carlos Sainz Shines with Williams Podium in Baku
Carlos Sainz’s smile shone brighter than the Azerbaijani sun following his first podium finish with Williams at the Baku Grand Prix on Sunday. Despite a diverted flight home, Sainz and former Ferrari teammate Charles Leclerc shared laughs on social media while journeying to Monaco. This monumental achievement saw Sainz double his points tally for the turbulent 2025 season, with many now questioning if the 31-year-old has silenced critics of his move from Ferrari to Williams.
Baku Podium Sets the Record Straight
Sainz’s impressive third-place finish in Azerbaijan served as a much-needed boost amid a challenging season. He now has 31 points, helping to rectify a year marked by below-par finishes and misfortune. Prior to Baku, Sainz faced difficulties in translating his speed into results, hindered by unfortunate incidents and collisions.
A Race of Clean Execution
While Sainz’s success can partially be attributed to the struggles of rivals like Mclaren‘s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, his faultless execution during the race set him apart. He acknowledged the frustration of his previous performances, stating, “I’ve had a lot of bad luck this season,” but the podium finish was validation that hard work and persistence pay off.
Overcoming Adversity
Despite being outscored by his teammate Alex Albon throughout much of the season, Sainz’s pace has been consistent. The qualifying gap of just 0.061 seconds between them echoed his competitive edge in adapting to the Williams car. He expressed confidence in his abilities, stating, “I’ve been very competitive from the first race… I didn’t have results to prove to myself, the team, and everyone that some good things were about to come.”
Triumph Amidst Transition
Sainz joined Williams amid significant changes, moving from a top team in Ferrari to one fighting for relevance in the midfield. His faith in the team’s future trajectory, driven by team principal James Vowles’ vision, propelled his decision. Notably, Sainz achieved his podium finish in Azerbaijan, a result that had been elusive for Williams since 2021 and only their second legitimate podium since 2017.
A Moment to Remember
With Sainz’s Baku podium, he has not only secured a significant milestone for himself but has also rejuvenated hopes for Williams’ resurgence in Formula 1. This achievement stands out not just for its timing but for the sheer grit and determination it underscores. Reflecting on his journey, Sainz noted, “Whenever a big opportunity of fighting for a podium came, I always said to the team that it had to be under control — and that’s exactly what happened.”
Looking Ahead
Sainz’s first podium represents more than just a fleeting success; it’s a testament to his belief in the Williams project. As he looks forward to future challenges, he’s made his intentions clear: “If I manage to bring Williams back to being competitive and winning races, this is everything that I care about.”
In a season full of obstacles, Sainz’s perseverance and skill have finally shone through, and the Formula 1 community will be watching closely to see what comes next for both him and Williams.