Carlos Sainz has been given permission from Ferrari to drive for Williams within the post-season check in Abu Dhabi subsequent month.
The Spaniard will race for Williams from 2025 onwards alongside Alex Albon (pictured at left, above, with Sainz), following Ferrari’s signing of Lewis Hamilton from Mercedes that was introduced initially of this yr. Though below contract till the top of 2024, Sainz has been allowed to start work with Williams within the one-day check that follows the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, driving this yr’s FW46.
“This early alternative will permit each Carlos and Williams to start constructing their relationship,” Williams stated in a press release. “The check session will present a precious likelihood for Carlos to start integrating into his new workforce surroundings, and he’ll drive the FW46 for the primary time.”
Sainz is one in every of 4 present drivers who’re shifting groups within the low season, with Esteban Ocon becoming a member of Haas and Nico Hulkenberg switching to Stake Sauber alongside Hamilton’s transfer.
4 rookies have additionally been confirmed as becoming a member of the grid full-time within the type of Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Oliver Bearman, Jack Doohan and Gabriel Bortoleto. All 4 are anticipated to run in Abu Dhabi, the place groups can run one automotive for drivers who’ve began not more than two grands prix, and one automotive for Pirelli tire testing functions.
Earlier on Friday, Williams additionally shut down any notion that it was susceptible to not having two vehicles prepared for the Las Vegas Grand Prix, with a spokesperson telling RACER it might be “enterprise as standard” subsequent weekend following a serious effort from the workforce and suppliers to beat the injury sustained in Brazil.
