Sainz Ends Strong Williams Debut with Abu Dhabi P8

Carlos Sainz wrapped up a standout debut season with Williams by finishing eighth in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Sunday, capping a year that propelled the British team to fifth place in the Formula 1 Constructors' standings, its best result since 2017. The Spaniard, who joined Williams on a multiyear deal after leaving Ferrari to make way for Lewis Hamilton, scored two podium finishes and contributed to the team's resurgence amid a competitive midfield battle.

Sainz's move to Williams at the end of 2024 drew skepticism, as the team had languished at the back of the grid for years during financial difficulties under family ownership in the late 2010s and early 2020s. The squad relied on pay drivers to stay afloat before Dorilton Capital's takeover in 2020 and the introduction of a budget cap in 2021 sparked a turnaround. In 2025, Williams fielded a solid midfield car, allowing Sainz and teammate Alex Albon to extract strong results. Sainz claimed third place in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku and the Qatar Grand Prix, marking the team's first multiple podiums in a decade. He also secured a sprint podium in Austin, finishing the season ninth in the Drivers' standings with 64...