How Sainz played a crucial role in Albon's Top 5

Although he was unable to prove his worth behind the wheel due to an early retirement, Carlos Sainz improvised as a strategist and his analyses allowed his teammate Alex Albon to climb to 5th place in Australia.

Published 17/03/2025 à 15:06

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How Carlos Sainz played a crucial role in Alex Albon's Top 5

Joao Filipe / DPPI

Carlos Sainz in Williams, it's a story of experience. A seasoned driver, the Spaniard's mission is to provide a framework for a team tired of the past mistakes of inexperienced drivers.

Forced to retire on the first lap of the Australian Grand Prix following from a crash under safety car regime, the Madrilenian nevertheless followed the race with great involvement until the end, even having played an important role in the final result of Alex Albon. Indeed, the former of Ferrari brought all his expertise at a time when Williams needed it to realize the excellent opportunity available to Alex Albon, amazing 5th under the checkered flag.

« Carlos was in the pit wall with me during the race, his analysis was fantastic, " confided James Vowles, Williams team principal. Faced with the intensification of the rain on lap 45, the winning bet was to stop for intermediate tires, which Alex Albon quickly did following the advice of his teammate analyzing the weather radar.

« Being out of the car, I was able to help the strategy team make the right decision, revealed Carlos Sainz. We brought Alex in at the perfect time and I was helpful in that.".

And yet, the Thai pilot admitted to having expressed doubts about this decision. I didn't always agree, especially when I was asked to pit for the intermediates. The circuit was completely dry in the first two sectors, but it was the right choice in the end." he explained to the official website at F1.

Although he was unable to benefit from the talents of his new driver behind the wheel, James Vowles is delighted to be able to count on the experience of his recruit.Carlos's information was crucial, it was a team effort, it was fantastic " By rising to 5^th In this first Grand Prix of the 2025 season, Williams achieved its best result in almost 4 years and George's podium finish Russell at Spa-Francorchamps in 2021.

However, Carlos Sainz wants to prove his contribution and experience to Williams on the track rather than on the wall. Luckily, he'll be able to get back on track next weekend in China.

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