The arrival of Carlos Sainz at Williams subsequent season will undoubtedly elevate the crew’s ambitions, however it can additionally current a brand new set of operational challenges for the British outfit.
In current seasons, Williams has operated with a transparent pecking order, with one driver constantly outperforming their teammate.
Whether or not it was George Russell main Nicholas Latifi, or Alex Albon presently dominating Logan Sargeant, the respective duos evidently simplified decision-making on race technique and automotive setup.
Nonetheless, with Sainz becoming a member of the crew in 2024, the dynamic is poised to shift dramatically at Williams with two drivers able to battling for factors, and hopefully for podiums.
Dave Robson, Williams’ head of auto efficiency, is aware of the upcoming challenges. The British engineer recalled the crew’s earlier years when each Felipe Massa and Valtteri Bottas repeatedly pushed one another for a spot among the many subject’s first tier.
Robson anticipates that the return to having two sturdy drivers in shut competitors will considerably increase the stakes for Williams throughout all features of race administration, from technique calls to pit stops and automotive growth.
“I believe there’s a few issues which might be going to be just a little bit daunting for us as an engineering crew,” commented Robson, quoted by Motorsport.com.
“There is not any doubt that it’s nice information for us and an actual sign of intent and will certainly make issues higher. I do not actually know [Sainz] as a person, however I do know he has a repute for actually driving everyone very laborious to get the whole lot out of the automotive.
“So he’ll be demanding, I am positive, which we’d like, however on the identical time I do know from my early time at Williams, after we had Felipe and Valtteri, or earlier than that at McLaren, if you’ve acquired two drivers who’re pushing one another and combating for the intense points-paying positions, then it turns into way more tough.
“It is simply an order of magnitude harder on the pit wall if you’ve acquired two automobiles instantly racing one another.
“There is not any cause to assume that it is going to find yourself being unhealthy, undoubtedly not. It will find yourself being good, but it surely’s undoubtedly going to be completely different to what we have type of acquired used to.”
Wanting forward, Williams views 2025 as a essential 12 months for development and adaptation, significantly with the looming 2026 aerodynamic overhaul.
The crew goals to make use of the upcoming season to refine its processes and construct a stronger basis, each when it comes to automotive efficiency and inside dynamics.
“I believe with a view to 2026 we have to make use of subsequent 12 months as there’s numerous engineering work to do to know the automotive higher and make the automotive sooner, take what we will into 2026,” Robson defined.
Understanding how one can greatest help Sainz whereas fostering a aggressive however constructive relationship between him and Albon will probably be key to the crew’s success.
“However truly, numerous the educational course of subsequent 12 months will probably be about understanding Carlos himself, transforming the dynamic of the crew trackside and on the manufacturing facility, to know how one can take care of two drivers who’re competing with one another.
“So it is incredible information, but it surely’s undoubtedly going to shake us up a bit in a great way.”
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