Sainz Gets Premature Head Start at Williams Before Ferrari Contract Ends
In a remarkable move that showcases the changing landscape of Formula 1, Carlos Sainz will begin his tenure with Williams even before his Ferrari contract expires. The Spaniard will take to the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi behind the wheel of a Williams FW46 not just for the traditional post-season test on Tuesday but also for a rare filming day on Monday.
Sainz’s 35 km of exclusive track time this week comes with the blessing of his current team principal, Frédéric Vasseur, and marks a significant step in the driver’s transition to Williams ahead of the 2025 season. This unique arrangement provides a valuable opportunity for Sainz to familiarize himself with his new surroundings and connect with his new team in a low-key environment.
Ferrari Remains Paramount
Despite the early start with Williams, Sainz’s commitment to Ferrari remains until December 31st.
He will wear simple, sponsorless suits during his Williams sessions, highlighting the delicate balance between honoring existing obligations and preparing for his future endeavors. The brief stint may be limited, but Williams recognizes the immense value in these opening returns on their investment in the experienced driver.
“This is about laying the groundwork for Carlos to hit the ground running in 2025,” explained the Williams technical director. “It’s not just about comfort; this is a first glimpse of what it can bring as we move forward with our ambitious plans.”
Browning to Make F1 Debut Alongside Sainz
Adding to the excitement in the Williams garage, accolade-winning Formula 3 talent Luke Browning will make his Formula 1 debut during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend.
Browning, who secured third place in this year’s Formula 3 championship, will sample the FW46 for the first time during the first free practice session. He will then continue his F1 baptism with a run out during the Young Drivers Test.
“It’s a surreal moment to get into an F1 car,” Browning said. “I am incredibly grateful to Williams for this opportunity and plan to maximize every round.
A Glimmer of the Future for Williams?
Sainz’s unique two-day stint is more than just a chance to get a head start; it’s the first chapter in a bold new era for Williams.
The team is fixed firmly on the benefits of learning from Sainz’s experience, while also using the post-season test to evaluate Pirelli’s 2025 tire compounds.
With Sainz’s proven skills on track paired with the raw talent of Luke Browning, Williams is undoubtedly setting the stage for a dynamic 2025 season. The Abu Dhabi Test, while marking the conclusion of one chapter, serves as the exciting prologue to an evolving story for the Grove-
based team.
How early is Carlos Sainz starting with Williams?
## Sainz Jumps the Gun: An Interview
**Host:** Welcome back to the show! We’re joined today by F1 expert Mark Thompson to discuss the surprising news that Carlos Sainz will be getting a head start with Williams, even before his Ferrari contract expires. Mark, this is certainly a unique situation, isn’t it?
**Mark Thompson:** Absolutely! Normally, drivers stick to their current teams until the bitter end. But Sainz is using a loophole to gain an early advantage. He’ll be testing for Williams at the Yas Marina Circuit this week, both for the official postseason test on Tuesday and a rare filming day on Monday. This is all with the blessing of Ferrari, which is quite unusual.
**Host:** Why would Ferrari agree to this?
**Mark Thompson:** It seems Ferrari are happy to see Sainz get a head start, perhaps to avoid any awkwardness or tension that could arise if he hadn’t started integrating with his new team until January. It also allows Sainz to get comfortable with the Williams car before the pressure of the 2025 season kicks in. Remember, Williams announced Sainz’s signing for 2025 earlier this year [[1](https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/13186156/sainz-to-join-williams-in-2025-in-statement-signing)].
**Host:** Is there any suggestion this could impact Sainz’s performance for Ferrari in the remaining races?
**Mark Thompson:** Sainz has assured everyone his focus remains solely on Ferrari for the rest of the season. He’s even wearing simple, sponsorless racing suits during his time with Williams to avoid any distractions or conflicts of interest.
**Host:** This whole situation is a fascinating glimpse into the behind-the-scenes maneuvering in Formula 1. Do you think other drivers might try to follow Sainz’s lead in the future?
**Mark Thompson:** It’s certainly possible. Formula 1 is becoming increasingly competitive, and drivers are always looking for any edge they can get. if Sainz proves that this early start with Williams gives him an advantage in 2025, then we might see more drivers negotiating similar arrangements in the future.
**Host:** Well, thanks for breaking it down for us, Mark. It’ll certainly be interesting to see how Sainz adapts to his new surroundings and if his early start with Williams pays off next season.
**(End Interview)**
