Williams pulled off a significant move last season, securing Carlos Sainz’s signature amidst stiff competition from Alpine and Sauber/Audi. 

The Spaniard, who was forced to Ferrari to make room for Lewis Hamilton, joins the mid-field team with impressive race-winning experience. He secured two victories in his final year at Ferrari, helping the team finish second in the Constructors’ Championship.

For the 2025 season, he will team up with Alex Albon, who has rebuilt his career since being dropped by Red Bull and spending a year out of Formula 1 in 2020.

However, critics often point out that Albon hasn’t yet had a teammate who could truly challenge him. That will change with Sainz, giving Albon a great chance to prove how much he has improved.

Regarding that, team principal James Vowles revealed that Albon played a key role in bringing Sainz to Williams.

“What I love about Alex is he’s a leader,” Vowles told Autosport.

“When things get difficult, he pulls forward, irrespective of what the circumstances are, and lifts the team back up to emotional strength.

“He was the one encouraging us to get Carlos into the building because he’s not worried about a challenge, he wants us to be successful.”

Despite a tough season, Vowles believes Albon is ready to bounce back stronger. “Reflecting on all that, Alex is the driver that I know he can be, and I think next year he’ll reset, start again, and he’ll be strong from the beginning,” Vowles said.

Vowles also dismissed concerns about potential clashes between Albon and Sainz, saying the Spaniard’s clean and fair racing style would make their rivalry a positive one.

“Does he fight hard? Yes. But is it clean? Also yes,” Vowles explained.

“They’re not doing it by knocking the wheels off each other’s cars. They’re doing it clean, respecting the brand that they’re representing.”

The team boss emphasised the importance of teamwork over individual results. “As long as you create the right environment where they know this is the way we can race each other… there will be points where I say, you can’t. We need to bring this result home because the result is more important than where you individually finish.”

Vowles also praised Sainz’s determination, calling it one of his key strengths. “What is great about Carlos is, despite his future being different to what it is today, you’re seeing Carlos fight for everything. And that’s one of the strengths he has.”

With both drivers pushing each other and respecting the team’s goals, Williams is aiming for big progress in the upcoming season.