Carlos Sainz

Carlos Sainz drives car #55 for Williams in 2026, with 4 Grand Prix victories, 29 podiums, and 6 pole positions from over 200 race starts through the end of 2025. Born in Madrid on September 1, 1994, the son of rally legend Carlos Sainz Sr. has raced for Toro Rosso, Renault, McLaren, Ferrari, and now Williams.

Sainz won his maiden Grand Prix at the 2022 British Grand Prix for Ferrari, adding victories at Singapore 2023, Australia 2024, and Mexico 2024. His 2024 season was particularly impressive as he returned from appendix surgery to win races and consistently challenge at the front, demonstrating remarkable mental and physical resilience. He left Ferrari at the end of 2024 after being displaced by Lewis Hamilton's arrival.

For 2026, Sainz joins Williams as the centrepiece of their ambitious rebuild under new ownership. His years at Ferrari gave him the knowledge of what a championship-contending operation looks like, and Williams will lean heavily on his development direction. Paired with Alexander Albon, Williams have two proven, reliable drivers capable of maximizing every opportunity under the new regulations.

Sainz's greatest strength is his versatility. He can win from the front, recover from the back, manage tyres with precision, and deliver in mixed conditions. He rarely has a poor weekend, which is exactly what a developing team needs. His data-driven feedback and engineering approach have been praised by every team he has worked with.

Spanish fans have two home events in 2026: the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix in June and the Spanish Grand Prix at the brand new Madrid circuit in September, both starting at 14:00 CEST. The European schedule is ideally suited to Spanish viewing times. Check Spain time for timezone conversions.

At 31, Sainz brings championship-calibre experience to a team hungry to return to the front. The 2026 regulations and Williams' increased investment create a genuine opportunity for the team to take a significant step forward, with Sainz's proven development skills guiding the way.