Ferrari’s Last Race Winner Is In A Williams -- And Fans Won’t Let Them Forget It

The Formula 1 world is abuzz as Carlos Sainz, Ferrari's most recent race winner, finds himself in a Williams Racing car for the 2025 season, a fact not lost on fans and pundits alike. The move marks a significant shift in the driver landscape, triggered by Lewis Hamilton's high-profile transfer to Ferrari, leaving Sainz to seek new opportunities.

Sainz's departure from Ferrari concludes a four-year stint with the Scuderia, during which he secured four Grand Prix victories. These wins, at Silverstone in 2022, Singapore, Australia, and Mexico City in 2024, were memorable moments for the Spaniard and the Ferrari team. The Mexican Grand Prix victory in 2024 holds particular significance as it remains Ferrari's last triumph in Formula 1.

The arrival of seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari has created a stir, but so far, the celebrated signing hasn't translated into race wins for the Maranello-based team. This winless streak only amplifies the spotlight on Sainz, now piloting a Williams, as the last driver to stand atop the podium for the Prancing Horse.

When asked about being Ferrari's most recent winner, Sainz responded that it was "circumstantial". He voiced confidence in his former teammate, Charles Leclerc, suggesting that Leclerc would return to winning form once Ferrari delivers a competitive car.

Williams Racing, under the leadership of Team Principal James Vowles, is striving to improve its performance and overall structure. The team's driver lineup for 2025 features Alexander Albon alongside Sainz, forming what many consider an exciting and promising pairing. Williams relies on Mercedes engines, allowing the team to concentrate on other areas of car development.

Sainz's move to Williams is a multi-year deal, signaling a commitment from both the driver and the team. At the same time, several other driver changes have reshaped the grid for the 2025 season. These include:

• Lewis Hamilton replacing Carlos Sainz at Ferrari.
• Andrea Kimi Antonelli replacing Hamilton at Mercedes.
• Oliver Bearman and Esteban Ocon forming a new lineup at Haas.
• Liam Lawson replacing Sergio Perez at Red Bull.

These changes reflect the dynamic nature of Formula 1, where teams constantly seek to optimize their performance through driver selection and development.

The 2024 season presented challenges for Williams, as they finished ninth in the Constructors' Championship. While Albon delivered strong performances, his teammate faced difficulties, leading to a mid-season replacement. The team hopes that the addition of Sainz will provide a boost in experience and race-winning pedigree.

As the Formula 1 season progresses, all eyes will be on Carlos Sainz as he embarks on this new chapter with Williams Racing. Fans will be watching to see if he can recapture his winning form and perhaps remind Ferrari of what they've lost, while also propelling Williams back to the front of the grid.