After years of struggling at the back of the grid, Williams Racing delivered their best season in nearly a decade in 2025, proving that patience and smart recruitment can pay off in Formula 1.
The historic British team leaped from ninth place with just 17 points in 2024 to fifth in the constructors’ championship with 137 points in 2025 Formula 1 — their highest points haul since 2016. It was a remarkable turnaround that few predicted at the start of the season.
The catalyst? The signing of Carlos Sainz from Ferrari on a multi-year deal Williams Racing. After being replaced by Lewis Hamilton at the Scuderia, Sainz carefully evaluated his options and ultimately chose Williams, convinced by team principal James Vowles’ long-term vision.
The decision raised eyebrows initially. Sainz struggled to adapt in the early races, but his experience and detailed feedback proved invaluable behind the scenes. Williams improved its car speed throughout 2025 not with upgrades but by enhancing simulation tools, communication, and working methods The Race.
The breakthrough came at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, where Sainz secured a brilliant third place — his first podium with Williams and the team’s first podium in over four years Carlos Sainz. He followed it up with another podium at the penultimate race in Qatar
