Williams in the News: Podium Makes Global Headlines

The streets of Baku once again delivered high drama – and for Atlassian Williams Racing, it was a weekend to remember.

Carlos Sainz converted a front-row grid spot into a well-deserved podium, ending our four-year wait for a trip to the rostrum. Here’s a look at how the weekend was covered across the world’s media.

Carlos’s podium drew global attention, with Reuters capturing his emotions after climbing the rostrum in Baku.

"I cannot describe how happy I am, how good this feels. This is even better than my first ever podium that I did," said Sainz, who started on the front row alongside Red Bull's race winner Max Verstappen.

"We've been fighting hard all year and finally today, we just proved that when we have the speed – we've had it all year – and everything comes together, we can do some amazing things together."

Speaking to Autosport, Carlos underlined why this one felt different.

"This one means even more just because of a year ago when I put my bet on Williams, and I said I’m going to this team because I truly believe in this project, and I truly believe that this team is on the rise."

James Vowles shared an emotional post after the race, with his words picked up by Motorsport.com.

"I’ve been fortunate to have a few podiums in my career, but this is one I’ll remember forever," Vowles wrote. "We earned this together as a team - a team that, in recent years, has been at the back, fighting just to survive, and now has battled its way back into this position."

He also spoke to F1.com about what this podium means moving forward.

“This suddenly builds your confidence and momentum and allows it you to step forward – that’s what I wanted for Carlos.

“I think he definitely needed it. We all needed it as a team, though. It just shows to the world that this is absolutely where we are and this is the journey we’re on together."

Carlos made clear once again just how deep his commitment to Williams runs, speaking to Sky Sports after the race.

"I've said it many times and I'll say it again - this is my life project.

"If I manage to bring Williams back to being competitive and winning races, it's everything that I care about and I will put the next three years of my life all my effort into doing that and committing to that.

"I also know that I can do it, because I think I'm good at bringing the team forward."

While Carlos stood on the podium, Alex was right there with the team in celebration. As F1.com noted, his actions didn’t go unnoticed.

“This is what I love about this team, it’s a team in exactly that way,” said Vowles. “Before I knew it, Alex had literally jumped out of the car and ended up just behind me! He wants this team to be successful, and he was there to celebrate by our side.”

The gesture resonated with fans too, with Motorsport.com reporting the warm reaction online.

“I am genuinely happy for the team! James is a lovely person, Carlos and Alex are really nice guys. Sir Frank would've been proud!” wrote one. A second added: “He is one of the best principals! He's so happy."

“That is the MOST adorable thing. Alex is the ultimate sportsman for this,” posted another as a fourth added: “There is no ME in TEAM”. Others pointed to the strength of the pairing itself. “Love to see the respect they have for each other and the team. Perfect duo and exactly what Williams needed."

The podium weekend also carried a touch of magic thanks to a fan-designed unicorn sticker, which Carlos wore on his helmet after promising to run it in Baku. Newsweek picked up the story.

"There's one more thing that is actually quite special," Vowles shared in the post-race video. "I'm pretty sure either Sparkles or Sprinkles had something to do with this as well at the same time. So, that's staying, I assume, for a little while."

“Until the end of the year, for sure," Sainz added.