Sainz aches for F1 2026 chance to shape Williams in fightback bid to F1 summit

17:30, 17 Dec

byNorberto Mujica

Carlos Sainz is relishing the opportunity to have an early impact on Williams' F1 2026 car design and Mercedes' power unit.

“I cannot wait to also have an influence on the design of the car.”

- Carlos Sainz.

Photo: Race Pictures

After a complicated first half of the F1 2025 season, Sainz was able to clinch two podium finishes in Azerbaijan and Qatar, and a P3 at the Sprint race in COTA, helping the team seal a firm step towards the top of the F1 grid.

Looking ahead to the upcoming F1 2026 season, Sainz was eager to play a more focal role in the team's foundations ahead of the dramatic regulation revamp. “I cannot wait to also have an influence on the design of the car,” Sainz told GPblog in Abu Dhabi.

“The setup philosophy, and the direction that the car can take into next year, and to make the drivers feel a bit more comfortable or a bit more at ease from the get go."

Sainz to shape Mercedes' engine as well

The Spaniard then highlighted a vital aspect of the upcoming power units, and banking on teammate Alexander Albon's and his own feedback, as well as on the team's result-proven technical approach, which could only aid Williams F1 2026 bid.

“From the baseline of the car that we put on track, I think we can do steps forward already on that side," Sainz added. "But I think once the season starts, I think the driver is going to have more of an influence on software development with HPP [High Performance Powertrains], in this case, Mercedes.

“I think the power unit is going to be a huge thing, and I think having two experienced drivers like Alex [Albon] and I think, in that sense, could help.

“Then when it comes to setup development, it’s more keep doing what we’ve done this year, and just have the effect of before the year, before we put the car on track, and then having the effect of during the year, how to make the car quicker,” Sainz concluded.

Williams issues warning to top F1 teams

Williams finished the 2025 F1 season rising from ninth in 2024 to fifth in the Constructors’ standings, clearly ahead of the midfield, and team principal James Vowles said their F1 2026 season had not been compromised by the Grove-based outfit's expectation-breaking success. Read the British team boss' comments here.

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