P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Carlos Sainz evealed that adapting to the Mercedes power unit at Williams has been the “biggest change” following his switch from Italian F1 giants Ferrari.
Carlos Sainz had the opportunity to drive a Williams F1 car during a filming day at Yas Marina Circuit in December. Subsequently, he tested the FW45 in Barcelona, did a shakedown of the 2025 FW47 at Silverstone, making Williams his sixth F1 team in 11 seasons. This will be his first time racing with a Mercedes power unit, the most significant change for him since joining the team. Sainz highlighted the challenges of adapting to the new power unit and its operations, including various switches and procedures on the steering wheel in Formula 1. Despite leaving Ferrari for Williams, Sainz was pleasantly surprised by the FW46, finding it better than expected after his initial test sessions, according to his positive first impressions. Team Principal James Vowles praised Sainz’s feedback and affirmed that the direction the team is taking aligns with Sainz’s input and experience.
