Sainz's front-row qualifying earns Williams podium in Baku

Carlos Sainz converted a shock front-row qualifying into a podium finish at the 2025 Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku on Sunday, taking third place to give Williams Racing its first top-three result since 2021 and the first under team principal James Vowles. The result capped a near-flawless weekend for the Spaniard and provided a major boost for a Grove-based team that has been rebuilding under Vowles since his arrival from Mercedes in 2023.

Sainz produced a strong Q3 lap to start alongside Max Verstappen and held his position over the 51-lap race to secure 15 points. The haul pushed Williams past the 100-point mark in the Constructors Championship for the first time since 2016, lifting them to 101 points and consolidating fifth place with a roughly 26-point cushion over sixth. Vowles called the podium a milestone for the whole organisation and a foundation for further progress. "Ive been fortunate to have a few podiums in my career, but this is one Ill remember forever," he said. "Carlos delivered a phenomenal race, an exceptional drive from start to finish."

The weekend also highlighted the contrast between Williams's two drivers. Alex Albon, who has been the team’s leading...