P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Carlos Sainz has spoken of his confidence for a positive 2026 F1 season through the progress made by Mercedes’ engine.
Carlos Sainz expressed his confidence in the 2026 Formula 1 season, citing the progress made by Mercedes’ engine as a key factor that influenced his decision to join Williams. The Mercedes power unit has been highly anticipated due to the upcoming radical technical regulations in the sport. Sainz revealed that he believes in the competitiveness of the Mercedes engine, which played a significant role in selecting Williams as his team for the new regulation change. With McLaren, Alpine, and Williams also using the Mercedes power unit, there is a strong potential for competitiveness among these teams. Sainz acknowledged the competition from Honda-powered teams like Aston Martin and the consistent threat from Ferrari in the upcoming season. Despite the strong engine package from Mercedes, Sainz emphasized the importance of chassis performance in achieving success in Formula 1.
