Sainz Delivers Williams’ First Podium Since 2021 in Baku
Carlos Sainz finished third in Baku, securing Williams’ first podium since 2021. After the race, the Spanish driver admitted that this result gives him even more joy than his very first podium in Formula 1.
Alex Albon crossed the finish line in eleventh place, but received a 10-second penalty for a collision with Franco Colapinto, which dropped him to 13th in the final classification. In addition, he was handed two penalty points, bringing his total to four within the last 12 months.
Carlos Sainz: *“It is very difficult to put into words how pleased I am with this result. In many ways, it feels even more special than my first podium.
We have had to fight hard throughout the season, but today proved that when the car has pace and the team performs flawlessly, we are capable of achieving outstanding results. The race was executed perfectly, and in qualifying we managed to beat rivals we had not expected to get ahead of.
I am extremely proud of everyone at Williams, as the team has come through a very difficult year and shown that we have made a major step forward compared to last season. The team is on the rise and moving in the right direction, even though I have often been affected by misfortune and various incidents.
Now I understand why this podium had to happen in this way. Life tests us with challenges so that it can later reward us with truly valuable moments. This result feels far more significant than I could have imagined.
It is an important lesson: you must continue to believe in yourself and in your team, and sooner or later all the effort will be rewarded.”*
