Carlos Sainz praised Williams F1’s daring shakedown, highlighting the team’s confidence in publicly unveiling their car in front of media and sponsors.
Carlos Sainz had his first on-track impression of the FW47. The new Williams F1 driver completed the shakedown of Grove’s latest car and appreciated the presence of media and sponsors, as well as the fact that his run was broadcast live. For him, it reflects the team’s determination and confidence.
“Honestly positive,” said Sainz, who acknowledged that it was a risk but also a statement to launch the car publicly. “I think it’s above all a strong demonstration of Williams’ progress.”
“Being bold enough to organize a test where all our key partners are present and where the media is invited to witness the car’s first laps shows the confidence Williams has in its new tools to produce a car that performs well, as it did today without any issues.”
“It’s a good sign, a strong demonstration of external work, and I think it highlights the progress Williams intends to make. I’m proud of this first day.”
It’s not his first positive impression of the team, as he was already won over in Abu Dhabi during the 2024 end-of-season tests: “I always say first impressions matter because you only get one chance to make one.”
“And the first impression I had during the 2024 post-season test in Abu Dhabi, as well as the first impression I got from the factory and this FW47, was very positive. I see people full of motivation, goodwill, and pride in Williams. We had a very good winter and a strong test in Abu Dhabi, so I’m happy and just eager to go racing.”
The Spaniard remains cautious about setting targets for the season: “We need at least one test in Bahrain to see where we stand. In terms of results, it will be incredibly tight in the midfield. It doesn’t matter if you gain seven-tenths if everyone else does the same—you’ll still be in the same place on the grid.”
“I need time. I need time to analyze everyone’s situation in Bahrain and then see what we can do in Australia. What matters to me is maintaining the momentum, the positive trend, and the upward trajectory that Williams is on.”
“We continue to see progress in all areas, and if we can keep this momentum and ride the wave, that’s the most important thing for me, because the real opportunity for Williams comes in 2026 rather than 2025.”
Asked about the FIA’s proposed rules on swearing, Sainz opposes restricting drivers while they are behind the wheel: “I don’t agree with what’s happening. I think we shouldn’t be too strict about this because people can’t understand the pressure, the adrenaline, and what we feel in the car.”
“And I think it’s good for F1 to have these moments because it shows the real driver. As F1 drivers, we are already very restricted in what we can say about our teams and situations. We already have many media briefings.”
“They already tell us what to say on the radio. But when you hear that passion, those words, even if sometimes we swear on the radio, for me, it’s an essential part of F1, and it’s something we shouldn’t get rid of.”
- Discover More>Vowles Backs Colapinto’s Alpine Path, Eyes Future Return
- Follow us on >Facebook and >Twitter for F1 updates
Williams’ Daring Shakedown Earns Sainz’s Praise for Confidence Williams’ Daring Shakedown Earns Sainz’s Praise for Confidence Williams’ Daring Shakedown Earns Sainz’s Praise for Confidence
