Carlos Sainz is set to race alongside Alex Albon at Williams from next season as part of what the team is calling “one of the most formidable driver line-ups on the grid.” But his debut for the Grove outfit will come sooner than had been initially expected at next month’s post-season test.
Williams’ second seat has been somewhat revolving in recent years, with the team opting for rookie drivers, but James Vowles wanted a “leader, not just someone who is quick in the car” for their future as he navigates the rebuild of the Grove-based team.
Carlos Sainz had been top of his list for this reason since before his departure from Ferrari was announced, but after months of relentless negotiations following the news of Lewis Hamilton joining Ferrari next season, it was announced last July that Sainz would join Williams for the long-term from 2025.
Typically departing drivers’ contracts run for the full calendar year, meaning they aren’t always released to take part in the annual post-season test with their new team in November. But today Williams have confirmed that this won’t be the case for their incoming driver, and Carlos will get behind the wheel of the FW46 in the week following the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Williams’ statement says this “will allow both Carlos and Williams to begin building their relationship” before the move becomes official over the winter.
“The test session at Yas Marina Circuit will provide a valuable chance for the Spaniard to start integrating into his new team environment, when he drives the FW46 for the first time.”
The post-season test serves as an opportunity for Pirelli to conduct further tyre tests before the end of the year and is also often where we see rookies get their first chance in F1 machinery. This year it’s scheduled for the Tuesday following the season finale at the Yas Marina Circuit.
