Lewis Hamilton’s recruitment by Ferrari early last year had a significant impact on Carlos Sainz, prompting the Spanish driver to explore other options for Formula 1 2025. Despite considering more ambitious options such as Red Bull and Mercedes, Sainz eventually chose Williams. Although Williams was ranked fifth in the standings after the first half of the 2025 Formula 1 season, Sainz still struggled to find his footing and match his teammate, Alex Albon.
Guenther Steiner, speaking to The Red Flags podcast, expressed his belief that Sainz may regret choosing Williams over Sauber, especially considering Sauber’s progress and promising project as the Audi factory team for 2026. Steiner emphasized that Sainz, a talented driver, was struggling in the current Williams car and needed to work hard to unlock his true potential. While acknowledging the disappointment in Sainz’s performance, Steiner highlighted the importance of decision-making in Formula 1 and the need for drivers to adapt and persevere in challenging situations.
Reflecting on Sainz’s struggles at Williams, Steiner mentioned the potential benefits of choosing Sauber (Audi) instead. Despite the setbacks, Steiner commended Sainz’s skills as a driver and emphasized the need for him to stay committed and focused on improving his performance. Making the right decisions and working diligently were crucial aspects in Formula 1, regardless of the challenges faced.
