Carlos Sainz’s move from Ferrari to Williams has sent shockwaves through the Formula 1 paddock. After years of driving for the Prancing Horse, the Spanish driver has made the bold decision to join Williams, a team that is rebuilding its legacy. However, his departure from Ferrari was not without controversy. Now, Sainz has started revealing inside details about his time at Ferrari, shedding light on the inner workings of one of F1’s most iconic teams.

What exactly has Sainz disclosed? How will his revelations impact Ferrari’s future? And what does this mean for his career at Williams? Let’s take a deep dive into the drama unfolding between Sainz, Ferrari, and the rest of the F1 grid.

Sainz’s Time at Ferrari: A Story of Highs and Lows

Carlos Sainz joined Ferrari in 2021, partnering with Charles Leclerc. From the beginning, he was determined to prove himself as more than just a supporting driver. In his first season, he finished ahead of Leclerc in the standings, demonstrating his consistency and adaptability.

However, despite moments of brilliance—like his first F1 victory at the 2022 British Grand Prix—Sainz often found himself struggling against Ferrari’s unpredictable car performance and questionable strategic decisions. While he was expected to be an equal competitor to Leclerc, internal dynamics within Ferrari suggested that the team still favored the Monegasque driver as their long-term future.

Sainz’s frustration became increasingly evident as the seasons went on. Poor strategy calls, reliability issues, and a lack of clear team direction led to multiple missed opportunities. By 2024, Ferrari was struggling to close the gap to Red Bull, while McLaren and Mercedes were also stepping up their game.

It was in this challenging environment that Sainz decided to part ways with Ferrari and embark on a new chapter with Williams. However, his exit from the team did not come quietly.

What Did Carlos Sainz Reveal About Ferrari?

After leaving Ferrari, Sainz did not hold back when discussing his experiences with the team. In a series of interviews, he revealed crucial details about the challenges he faced at Maranello.

1. Ferrari’s Internal Conflicts and Driver Favoritism

Sainz suggested that Ferrari had always positioned Charles Leclerc as their primary driver. While both drivers were officially treated equally, internal decision-making often leaned in favor of Leclerc.

“There were moments where I felt I had the pace, I had the strategy, and I had the opportunity, but the team had already decided the direction they wanted to go,” Sainz admitted.

While this is not uncommon in Formula 1—many teams naturally prioritize one driver for the championship—Sainz’s comments confirm long-standing suspicions about Ferrari’s preference for Leclerc. This revelation might create tension within Ferrari, especially if Leclerc fails to deliver the championship they have been chasing.

2. Strategy Blunders Costing Ferrari Crucial Points

Ferrari’s strategic decisions have been widely criticized in recent years, and Sainz confirmed that drivers often had little say in critical race calls. He pointed to multiple races where he felt the team had cost him and Leclerc potential podiums and wins due to poor pit stop timing or tire selection.

“There were races where we had the right pace, but for some reason, the decisions didn’t align with what was happening on track,” Sainz revealed. “It’s frustrating when you know you could have achieved more.”

This statement aligns with Ferrari’s history of strategic miscalculations, which have often led to major disappointments on race weekends.

3. The Pressure of Driving for Ferrari

Sainz also opened up about the immense pressure that comes with driving for Ferrari. With one of the most passionate fan bases in the sport, the expectations for Ferrari drivers are sky-high. Every mistake is scrutinized, and every missed opportunity is magnified.

“Driving for Ferrari is a dream, but it’s also a huge responsibility,” Sainz explained. “The pressure is unlike anything else in F1. You feel the weight of history, the expectations of the Tifosi, and the constant demand for results.”

His comments suggest that, while Ferrari is one of the most prestigious teams in the sport, the intensity of the environment can sometimes make it difficult for drivers to perform at their best.

Why Did Sainz Choose Williams?

Williams may seem like an unexpected choice for Sainz, considering they have not been a front-running team for many years. However, recent developments suggest that Williams is on the rise. Under new leadership and with increased investment, the team is making a serious effort to return to competitiveness.

Sainz’s move to Williams could be a strategic one, as the team is expected to benefit from a new technical partnership and key staff additions. With Formula 1’s cost cap in place and regulations shifting in 2026, Williams could be positioning itself for a major comeback.

For Sainz, this move represents a fresh start. Instead of constantly battling internal politics at Ferrari, he will now have the opportunity to build something new with Williams. He will likely become the team’s lead driver, providing him with more influence over car development and strategy decisions.

How Will Ferrari Respond to Sainz’s Revelations?

Ferrari is unlikely to respond directly to Sainz’s comments, but his revelations could have lasting effects. If his statements fuel speculation about internal favoritism and strategy issues, it could create tension within the team.

Charles Leclerc, who remains Ferrari’s main hope for the future, may also face increased pressure. With Sainz gone, there is no longer any direct competition within the team, meaning all eyes will be on Leclerc to deliver results. If Ferrari continues to struggle, Sainz’s comments could come back to haunt them.

What’s Next for Sainz and Williams?

Sainz’s move to Williams is one of the most intriguing storylines of the upcoming season. While Williams still has a long way to go before they can fight for podiums regularly, Sainz’s arrival could be the catalyst they need to take the next step.

His experience from Ferrari will be invaluable, and if Williams continues its upward trajectory, Sainz could be in a position to lead them into a new era of competitiveness. His journey with the team will be one to watch closely, as it could redefine his legacy in Formula 1.

Conclusion: A Bold Move That Could Reshape F1’s Future

Carlos Sainz’s departure from Ferrari and his decision to join Williams mark a major turning point in his career. His revelations about Ferrari’s internal struggles, strategic errors, and driver favoritism provide valuable insight into why the team has struggled to recapture its former glory.

While his time at Ferrari may not have ended as he had hoped, Sainz now has a unique opportunity to build something special with Williams. If he can help the team climb back to the front of the grid, his move could be seen as one of the smartest decisions in recent F1 history.

As the new season approaches, all eyes will be on Sainz and Williams. Can he prove that leaving Ferrari was the right choice? And will Ferrari regret letting him go? One thing is certain—this story is far from over.