Alex Albon says he is eager to hear Carlos Sainz’s initial impressions of the Williams FW46 following the Spaniard’s maiden test with his new team this week in Abu Dhabi.
With Sainz fresh off a strong campaign with Ferrari, his insights are expected to provide valuable direction for Williams as they aim to climb up the grid.
Albon’s new high-profile teammate was released early for his Ferrari obligations, allowing him to join Williams and immediately begin work with the Grove-based outfit.
After using a filming day on Monday to familiarize himself with the FW46, Sainz logged an impressive 145 laps during Tuesday’s post-season test at Yas Marina, setting the second fastest lap of the day behind his former Scuderia teammate Charles Leclerc.
For Albon, who has been a key figure in Williams’ gradual resurgence since joining the team in 2022, Sainz’s impressions are of great interest.
“I’ll be very keen to hear his feedback on the car after the test, see where his head’s at compared to Ferrari,” Albon told the media in Abu Dhabi, quoted by Motorsport Week.
“I think, obviously, he’ll have a very fresh mind of driving the Ferrari and then coming into Williams of where are our strengths, where are our weaknesses.”
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When asked how much interaction he had so far enjoyed with Sainz, Albon said: “Truthfully, not too much, I wish I could say more.”
Sainz’s arrival at Williams comes with high expectations, given his winning track record in F1 and reputation as a highly analytical driver.
During his time at McLaren and Ferrari, Sainz played a pivotal role in helping both teams improve their competitiveness, and Williams is hopeful he can bring similar results.
From the outset, he will provide the British outfit with a proven benchmark to measure itself against, but also to measure where Albon stacks up in the other car.
The Anglo-Thai racer is particularly excited about the fresh perspective Sainz brings to the team.
“One of the things that I’m looking forward to most with Carlos joining is I remember my time at Red Bull and when I came to Williams, and obviously there’s a lot of things on your mind, things you want to try to improve for the team,” he said.
“At the same time, I’ve spent now three years at Williams, and it’s nice to almost have someone a little bit fresher than me. And coming from a team like Ferrari, I’m sure he’ll bring a lot to the table.”
Williams finished ninth in the constructors’ championship in 2024, a result that underscores the work still required to return the team to its former glory.
But Albon is confident that the Williams driver’s collaboration will push both the team and himself to greater heights.
“Of course, I know he will push me. I think he’s having a very strong year this year as well. But it will be a good challenge,” he said.
With Sainz’s meticulous approach and Albon’s proven ability to lead development, Williams hopes their new driver pairing will accelerate progress and allow it to take the next step in its journey back to the sharp end of the grid.
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