Carlos Sainz’s thank-you note to Williams caps a breakthrough 2025 — two podiums and P5 in the constructors’ standings — and signals clear momentum. Betting implication: punters may back Williams or Sainz for improved 2026 results and early-season podiums as the team benefits from Mercedes power units and favourable new rules; consider Williams in podium markets and modest outright each-way bets for early races.
Carlos Sainz praises Williams after breakthrough 2025 season
Carlos Sainz has penned a heartfelt end-of-season letter to Williams staff after a productive first year with the Grove-based outfit. The Spaniard joined Williams for 2025 after leaving Ferrari and finished the season with two full-race podiums (Baku and Qatar) and a sprint podium in Austin, helping Williams secure fifth in the constructors’ championship — the team’s best result since 2017.
Photos show personal touch to staff appreciation
Photos circulating from the team reveal staff receiving gift bags that included Sainz’s specially written note. In it, Sainz described the campaign as “remarkable,” thanked colleagues for their welcome and commitment, and called the print “a small gesture of appreciation” and a reminder of what they achieved together in 2025.
Key lines from Sainz’s message
Sainz reflected on the year’s milestones and stressed that the work is only beginning: “It is thanks to your dedication and commitment that we have been able to achieve our most ambitious goal this year: securing P5 in the constructors’ championship… Those highlights are not mine; they are a direct result of your efforts and our teamwork.” He closed by insisting there is “still a long road ahead” before Williams returns to winning ways and vowed to give his best on and off track.
Why 2026 could be even brighter for Williams
Williams enters 2026 with reasons for optimism. Rule changes for the next season introduce 50% electrification, fully sustainable fuels and active aerodynamics — factors that could reshuffle performance hierarchies. Sainz has previously cited Williams’ use of Mercedes power units as a major factor in his move to Grove, a partnership that could pay dividends under the new technical regulations.
Wider context: driver influence and internal dynamics
The season also featured broader storylines around driver influence on team operations. One high-profile champion was reported to have sent detailed suggestions to his former team in a bid to improve performance. Former team management figures later voiced scepticism about the impact of drivers acting as engineers, arguing that detailed technical work is best left to specialists, while drivers focus on feedback at the track.
Betting and sporting implications
Sainz’s public commitment and Williams’ strong 2025 finish provide tangible signals to bettors. The combination of driver buy-in, Mercedes power units and favourable rule changes suggests Williams could be a value target for early 2026 podium markets and modest each-way bets in season-opening races. Shortlist Williams as a podium contender rather than an outright favourite until the new car’s form is fully revealed.
Looking ahead
Sainz urged the team to enjoy a well-earned break and return “with our batteries fully recharged” for 2026. The tone of the letter — appreciative, focused and forward-looking — underlines a united dressing room intent on building from the season’s momentum and pushing Williams back toward the front of the grid.
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Carlos Sainz enjoyed a fine first season at Williams after being forced to make way for Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari.
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