The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was a wake-up name for Williams by way of how a lot work stays to be completed, however Carlos Sainz stated it confirmed the crew is a pressure to be reckoned with sooner or later. In reality, he stated he welcomed the stoop within the remaining race in some methods as a lift to offseason positive factors.
Sainz scored a shock podium in Qatar per week earlier than the ultimate race of the season, however completed thirteenth on the Yas Marina circuit, lacking out on factors. Williams had been uncompetitive in Abu Dhabi with Alex Albon ending a number of seconds behind his teammate, however Sainz sees that as a optimistic increase for the crew heading into a brief low season.
“We began twelfth and I feel we had been the twelfth automotive,” Sainz stated. “Nothing thrilling occurred in that race and we’re all the time going to complete there – in fact as a result of (Lewis) Hamilton got here by the pack – thirteenth. I feel we did the whole lot we may to complete within the factors.”
“We merely lacked the tempo this weekend. I hope it is a good wake-up name for the crew in case I come again to Abu Dhabi after the rostrum considering I might be stronger. We had been fairly weak this weekend and I am really glad that this occurred. So we are going to go into the winter with out sleep.”
Regardless of the frustration within the remaining race, Sainz stated the robust outcomes later within the 12 months confirmed how a lot potential Williams had forward of the subsequent technical regulation from 2026.
“Actually, I feel the primary half of the season has been very difficult, however I want to see all of the frustration that we had within the first half go away. Even when we had been quicker, even when we tailored effectively, if that frustration means in each sense two podiums and one podium within the dash, then I positively welcome that frustration and the dearth of factors within the first half.”
“However within the second half, I feel myself and Williams proved to everybody why we made this change, what we’re attempting to perform right here and why I feel we’re a pressure to be reckoned with for the long run.”
“In case you had instructed me final 12 months that I might have gotten a podium and fifth place within the constructors’ championship like we did, I might have stated so. Total, I feel we have to take a look at our first 12 months at Williams very positively.”
