Instantly after the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, which he raced with Ferrari, Carlos Sainz bought behind the wheel of the Williams for the post-season assessments. These observe classes had been essential for the Grove-based workforce, permitting them to collect as a lot suggestions as doable from Carlos whereas his data of the Maranello workforce was nonetheless contemporary.
One of many first features of the automobile—and in accordance with Carlos Sainz, a very powerful one—that the Spaniard commented on was the engine. He spent 4 years powered by Ferrari’s energy items, however now he shall be utilizing Mercedes energy items as soon as once more.
It’s a return to his roots, because the quantity 55 driver had already skilled the ability of the German workforce’s unit throughout his time at McLaren.
Carlos Sainz’s impressions at Williams
The Spanish driver has modified groups a number of instances all through his F1 profession. Earlier than Williams, he raced for Toro Rosso, Renault, McLaren, and Ferrari, giving him the chance to work with all 4 engine producers which have equipped energy items in recent times.
Having skilled totally different engine suppliers, he highlighted the numerous affect an influence unit has on an F1 automobile. “The factor you discover essentially the most whenever you change groups is when a PU is concerned.”
What modifications when utilizing a brand new PU? “The noises, the vibrations, the sound—the whole lot modifications fully,” Carlos explains. He went on to explain his first take a look at, the place he centered on understanding the automobile’s aerodynamics, tires, and mechanics.
Nevertheless, he added: “The one factor I needed to adapt to within the first few laps was simply how totally different an influence unit may be. That’s in all probability the most important change. Even the way in which the ability unit works by way of switches, particularly in at the moment’s Formulation 1.” – the Spaniard identified.
“With so many issues occurring on our steering wheels—the implementation, the battery, issues like that, engine security procedures, and energy unit procedures—it’s positively the most important adjustment I’ve needed to make thus far at Williams.” – the previous Ferrari driver concluded.