Carlos Sainz is facing significant challenges as he continues to adapt to his new role with Williams since moving from Ferrari ahead of the 2025 Formula 1 season. With just 13 points from the first ten races, a stark contrast to teammate Alex Albon’s 42 points, Sainz’s performance has been disappointing. The Spaniard has yet to finish higher than eighth, with his last points coming in a somewhat fortunate position during the Canadian Grand Prix after a last-minute reshuffle due to accidents involving other drivers.
The Canadian GP specifically highlighted the issues troubling the Williams team. They had aimed for a top-five finish, but Albon suffered an engine failure that resulted in his retirement, with Sainz’s struggles further exacerbated by overheating brakes. Sainz’s frustration was palpable as he battled through the field with a car that was unable to perform up to expectations.
James Vowles, Williams’ team principal, has acknowledged that the team’s infrastructure significantly hampers its ability to resolve ongoing cooling issues that have plagued their cars this season. Even with some remedial actions taken, Vowles admits they haven’t yet found the right solutions. He emphasized the reliance on human estimation rather than advanced tools for simulations, which contributes to their poor results.
As the team now prepares for the upcoming Austrian Grand Prix, they are particularly concerned about how their cooling challenges will hold up under the expected high temperatures at the Red Bull Ring. With forecasts predicting temperatures reaching 31°C on race day, Sainz and Albon’s cars will be put to the test, raising concerns about their performance potential.
Despite the current struggles, Vowles has made strides in improving Williams’ infrastructure since taking over leadership, and he remains hopeful that the team can learn from these experiences and implement fixes that will enhance their performance in future races. It’s a journey of continual adaptation, but there is potential for growth as the season progresses.