Spanish Formula 1 driver Carlos Sainz (Ferrari) explained that this weekend’s United States Grand Prix is the “most important test” for the Scuderia, after the improvements made in recent races, while he expressed confidence in having the chance to win races this season and beyond, with Williams and whatever else comes next.
“I think we have more confidence in the improvements since Monza, they are starting to work. I stand by what I said, until we get to Austin we won’t really be able to measure how much we have improved. This is going to be the most important test so far, to see if the improvements of the past work in the right direction on a more normal track,” he said on Thursday at the official press conference.
The Madrid native is confident that he will prove that Ferrari is ready to fight for victories. “We are not bringing anything new, it is a matter of confirming whether the pace, which was better in the last three races, was because the circuits were favourable to us or because the improvements had an effect,” he said at the Circuit of the Americas.
Sainz also spoke about his move to Williams in six races. “I’m really looking forward to next year and the challenge of being at Williams. I also like to see how much I’ve improved, getting points in the last few races, but I have to finish the job, in a car that can allow me to win a race or a couple more podiums, and help the team to finish as high as possible, and be able to give myself that podium or a victory,” he confessed.
“I have a lot of motivation to try and achieve it. I’m going to give it my all. I don’t think it’s going to be my last chance to win in Formula 1, whether it’s with Williams or further down the road, it’s the hunger I have and what I’ve shown I can do,” he added. Sainz was also pleased to see his future team on the right track, although his signing was about more than just numbers.
“We talked a lot with Williams about this season, about how much they were going to improve, and so far he has been keeping his word. With improvements in F1 you never know, adding three tenths is not the same on paper. The team is taking the right steps,” he said.
“The expectations of the car improving for next year did not affect my decision, my decision was based on the people and what I felt when I spoke to the owners, the feeling that the organisation conveyed to me, beyond what the Williams could perform,” added Sainz, who, during this break, took advantage of the opportunity to ride with the cyclist of the moment, a neighbouring Tadej Pogacar in Monaco.