Carlos Sainz surprises in Baku with third place—a rare Williams podium: His father reveals why he didn’t expect it
Williams podium finishes have become rare in Formula 1: Before Baku 2025, George Russell was the last to stand on the podium in 2021 at Spa-Francorchamps – in the now legendary “Mini Prix,” which was never approved due to bad weather, which is why Russell’s second starting position was counted as P2 in the race. Before that, Lance Stroll also finished third in Baku in 2017. That’s why Sainz Sr. considers the recent third place at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix a “very special success” and a “great result” for his son – after the 2025 Formula 1 season had been anything but ideal so far.
In his first year for Williams, Carlos Sainz has so far been clearly overshadowed by Alexander Albon, who has already scored 70 points. With his 15 points from Baku, Sainz now has a total of 31 points – meaning he has only scored 16 more points than Albon in the races leading up to Baku and is well behind Albon in a direct race comparison with 5:11.
Fresh momentum for Sainz after Baku?
However, the podium could now provide fresh momentum, according to Sainz’s father. He says philosophically: “After a bad phase, the sun is shining a little again. But Carlos has also worked hard for it.”
And Sainz’s father also emphasizes this: third place did not just fall into his son’s lap. “This result was not the result of yellow flags, safety car phases, rain, or [competitors’ mistakes] in tire selection.” In fact, Sainz laid the foundation with a strong qualifying performance and remained flawless in the race.
This is something to build on, says Sainz Sr.: “Carlos now has to continue step by step and think about the next success. “ The long-term goal is the 2026 season. Until then, it’s important to ”keep motivation high and work as a team,“ explains Sainz Sr., adding: ”Hopefully Williams will have a good car next year with the rule changes.”