Sainz questions Williams standards as frustration mounts

Carlos Sainz says Williams is falling short of Formula 1’s standards, with the Spaniard voicing clear frustration over repeated errors and the team’s stalled development trajectory in 2025.

“We’re not operating at the level we should be operating at in Formula 1,” he told DAZN at Spa, after another disrupted race weekend.

Since making the switch from Ferrari, Sainz has endured a string of problematic events at Williams, with everything from strategy to technical niggles hindering progress. While team principal James Vowles is focused on long-term rebuilding ahead of 2026, Sainz appears increasingly restless.

“More than reliability, they’re small issues, small mistakes that we all make a little bit between us,” he explained. “One time it’s one of us,” he added, referencing teammate Alex Albon, “another time it’s another.”

Sainz said the recurring problems often feel needless, especially when rivals appear more composed.

“We see that the others have far fewer problems,” he said. “They are really just silly problems, that we have to keep improving as a team and we will. But we do see that when strange things don’t happen we are there in the fight and we have to keep fighting.”

Despite the setbacks, he insists there is still underlying promise in the car.

“There have always been positive feelings with the car. We know the pace is there and that when things aren’t going well for us, we’re fast.”

However, he made clear that performances alone mean little without consistency. “It’s always important. Obviously, we’re driven by results, and results are the only thing that counts. But if I’ve seen anything this year, it’s that I’m not lacking in rhythm, and I just need things to stop happening to us.”

Sainz was left without a top-team seat for 2025 after Ferrari opted to part ways—Red Bull also passed on the chance to sign him. According to insiders, the Spaniard hasn’t given up on the idea of joining Red Bull in 2026, with his recent remarks seen by some as an attempt to highlight his value amid changes underway at Milton Keynes.]]>