Beaten again by Albon, Sainz is not yet comfortable behind the wheel of his Williams

While the Spaniard was particularly expected at Williams Despite his experience in the premier class, his qualities have not yet been fully appreciated. His 13th place in the Sprint Qualifying at the Shanghai circuit this Friday attests to this observation.

Yet, hopes were high following pre-season testing last February. By setting the fastest time over the three days, the Madrilenian's adaptation to the English team seemed to have come naturally. However, in Melbourne, during the first Grand Prix of the season, the Spaniard missed the boat. Qualifying in 10th place on Saturday, four places behind his teammate, his race ended prematurely following a mistake under the safety car. He was forced to watch the Grand Prix in the pits, from where he played a decisive role in the 5^e place of his teammate by improvising as a strategist.

If the beginnings proved difficult, the Iberian did not recover during Sprint qualifications on the Shanghai circuit since he is only in thirteenth position. His Thai teammate, meanwhile, made his way through SQ3 to qualify in ninth place. In qualifying, the Madrilenian now loses 2-0. I don't always feel comfortable with the car » reacted Carlos Sainz after this mixed result. I still have a lot to learn and understand about him and I know that all of this will come with time. ».

A key role to play throughout the season 

When Hamilton is announced at Ferrari the 1^er February 2024, Carlos Sainz found himself on the transfer market without his knowledge. Supposedly expected to join a team in form, it was finally at Williams that the number 55 found his footing, a team then in difficulty. The British team, 9^e of the championship in 2024, has undergone a general reshuffle since the taking over of James Vowles, former strategist at Mercedes and new team principal since 2023. The Spaniard has then joined a redesign project and the Grove team hopes to take advantage of the distinguished driver to progress in the hierarchy.

However, since his debut, the Madrid native has not yet managed to fully benefit Williams from his experience, both on and off the track. Williams' head of vehicle performance, Dave Robson, said ahead of the second round of the season in China that the former Ferrari driver " had not yet influenced" the FW47 but that the Spaniard's analyses on the 2025 car " were "interesting." "It confirmed the weak points identified on last year's car." explained the engineer. This is a good thing because we had already put months of effort into these improvements.”

The Spaniard's experience is particularly important in the development of the FW47 throughout the season, which Williams will be calling on. As for his on-track performance, the weekend in the Middle Kingdom is not over for the number 55, who still has two races and a qualifying session to improve. With such an element in his squad, who has proven himself Toro Rosso As far as Ferrari, Williams will know how to take its time and be patient with its new driver. The results will come with time.

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