“The challenge is on, and I’m ready for it” - Carlos Sainz
We caught up with Carlos after he committed his future to Atlassian Williams F1 Team
Published
19 AUG 2026
Est. reading time
5 min
Carlos Sainz will continue to race for Atlassian Williams F1 Team, extending his journey with the team as we continue our pursuit of returning to the front of the grid.
With his future settled after signing a new multi-year contract with the team, Carlos reflects on why he believes in the people at Williams, the conversations that have shaped his decision, the support of our fans and the exciting changes taking place behind the scenes at Grove.
“We have all the right ingredients to bounce back”
For Carlos, the decision to continue with Williams comes down first and foremost to the people around him, as well as the belief he has in the direction of the team.
“There are many reasons to stay and continue to push with the team. First and foremost, because of the people who form this big family. I believe in the strength of the group in order to be successful, and I think the people at Williams have the right talent, motivation and passion to bring this team back to the top.
“There are also a lot of changes, investments and projects happening in the background that make me believe we are on the right path. We have hit a bump in the road this season, but we have all the right ingredients to bounce back and come back stronger.”
A relationship built on honesty
Since joining Williams, Carlos has placed huge value on having open and straightforward conversations across the organisation - from James and the management team to colleagues throughout Grove and at the track.
“One of the things I value the most is having a straightforward relationship. Since day one at this team, I have experienced that not only with James, the rest of the management team and the Board members, but also with the different individuals across the entire organisation. “To improve and move forward, it is important to be transparent and honest, and to have a working environment in which everyone can take responsibility for their actions with a view towards improving. Those are the sort of conversations I have had at this team.”
“The fans are at the very core of it all!”
For Carlos, the Williams family extends far beyond the team itself. The support from fans around the world plays an important role in keeping everyone motivated, particularly through the tougher days.
“The support and passion of the fans are paramount to an F1 team. As an athlete, a chant of support, a sign with a positive message written on it, or a grandstand full of people cheering you on is hugely important, not only for me but for the entire team as well. Our mechanics, our engineers, every team member takes pride in wearing our colours, and the support of the fans can lift anyone’s spirits after a tough day at the office or at the track. “I see Williams as one big family, and the fans are at the very core of it all! They give us inspiration and strength so we can give our best every day and make them proud.”
“The target remains exactly the same”
Looking ahead, Carlos knows the road back to the front will not be straightforward. But with the team focused on the process and continuing to push, he remains confident in what can be achieved.
“Exciting! The target remains exactly the same: to bring this team back to where it belongs. The road will be challenging, and we will need to give our very best to get there. However, we have the right ingredients internally to get the job done, and it is only up to us to keep pushing in the pursuit of excellence. “If we focus on the process, pay attention to the details and trust our instincts, I’m convinced the results will follow. The challenge is on, and I’m ready for it.”
Carlos' focus is firmly set on his future with Williams
“The changes and projects that I see happening in the background are really exciting!”
While the work at the racetrack is there for all to see, Carlos also keeps a close eye on what is happening back at Grove, with the investment and projects taking place behind the scenes providing plenty of encouragement for the future.
“I follow very closely everything that happens within the team, not only at the racetrack but also back in Grove at the factory. The changes and projects that I see happening in the background are really exciting! “It’s just a matter of time before we put everything together and start seeing the results on track. As I said before, we have all the right ingredients, and it’s up to us to make the most of them and make it work.”
Remembering Baku - and the moments you don't see
Carlos has already shared some special moments with Williams, with his first podium for the team in Baku standing out as an unforgettable memory. But for our No.55, the highlights extend beyond the moments that make the headlines.
“The feeling in the car when I crossed the line in Baku to score our first podium together is something that is impossible to describe with words, and it is a day I will always cherish. Stepping onto an F1 podium will always be special, but there are other things, the ones people don’t normally see, that are also highlights for me. “Finding a couple of tenths with a new setup in the car after weeks of chasing different solutions, seeing that your feedback and work in the simulator has helped unlock performance, or being part of meetings that help shape the future of the team are also highlights that make you feel proud and give you the strength to keep pushing. We have a long and challenging road ahead of us, but nothing would make me happier than making it to our destination together!”
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