Carlos Sainz's third-position in Baku last weekend gave Williams their first full-race podium in eight years. Speaking following the race, the Spanish called his journey at Williams his 'life project', mentioning his commitment lifting the team back to the top of Formula 1.
The 31-year-old came to Grove this season after quitting Ferrari, where he was replaced by Lewis Hamilton. His switch was bold, turning down midfield offers to join James Vowles' transition project. But his early months were tough. While teammate Alex Albon carried the bulk of the points, Sainz struggled for results despite strong qualifying form.
The Baaku weekend changed that scenario. Kicking-off from the front row and finishing third, he gave his best performance in Williams colors, proving why he sees it as a long-term mission.
"For me, the vindication is not so much towards moving to Williams. I always believed in this project. I've said it many times, and I'll say it again, this is my life project," Sainz told Sky Sports F1 in an interview.
Williams were one of F1's biggest powerhouse along with McLaren and Ferrari, winning nine constructors' titles and seven drivers' championships between 1980 and 1997. But the past two decades has been a continuous decline. Between 2018 and 2024, they claimed only 84 points combined.
The scenario began to change when former Mercedes strategist James Vowles took the charge as team boss in 2023. With new leadership, fresh sponsors, including Atlassian in 2025, and a strategic plan aiming 2026's regulation reset, Williams have slowly rebuilt their foundation.
"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," Sainz added.
This season's haul of 101 points already surpasses Williams' total of the last seven years combined.