Carlos Sainz warns Williams “mean business” in 2026

Carlos Sainz sounds upbeat — but grounded — as Williams gears up for the start of the season with the new FW48.

The team unveiled its livery on Tuesday, though details about the car itself remain limited. Speaking from the factory in an interview with the team, Sainz didn’t sugarcoat the scale of the challenge ahead.

“2026 is a massive challenge — the biggest one teams have faced in the last two or three decades,” he said. “Aerodynamics, engines, wheels, the weight of the cars… everything changes. We’re starting from scratch. As a driver, I’ll also have a lot of new things to learn, especially how to get the most out of the new power unit. There’s so much that’s new, I don’t even know what will be the hardest or the most interesting.”

“We just want to see progress”

Setting personal goals is nearly impossible, Sainz admits, when no one knows where the 11 teams will land under the new regulations.

“It’s very hard to set a target without knowing who nailed the weight, who nailed the wheels, or where each team will be,” he said. “The only thing I want to see is progress from the team in every area we’ve marked as critical. This team is capable of taking advantage of the new rules. We know you can’t go from fifth to first in a single year. But this is an important season to keep showing progress and keep building for the future.”

Sainz wrapped up 2025 — his first year with Williams — with two podiums and ninth place in the championship, a strong debut that exceeded expectations.

Starting from zero again — but with familiar faces

“I’m really happy to say it’s my second year with Williams,” he added. “After such a positive 2025, we’re starting this new regulation cycle with a lot of motivation. It’s a shame I can’t directly apply everything I learned last year to the 2026 car, because we have to start from zero again to understand how to maximize it. But I know everyone at the factory now, and that will help me get the most out of the car from the start.”

Two podiums as a sign of what’s possible

Sainz pointed to last season’s results as proof of what Williams can achieve in the medium term.

“Both I and a lot of people would’ve been surprised — we didn’t expect two podiums, another one in the sprint, fifth in the constructors’, and both drivers in the top 10 of the championship,” he said. “We’re a team that’s serious about the future, and that makes me incredibly proud. But now it’s time to take another step forward and make the most of this new rule set.”

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