Williams boss James Vowles has underlined the importance of Carlos Sainz’s podium in last weelend’s Azerbaijan Grand Prix – not only for the Spaniard himself, but for the entire Grove team.
Sainz’s third place in Baku marked Williams’ first top-three finish in four years, and it came after a rocky start to life in blue for the ex-Ferrari driver, who had scored just 16 points all season compared to Alex Albon’s 70.
And Vowles couldn't hide his electric glee, hailing the result as the rocket fuel both driver and squad desperately craved.
“I’ve wanted him to be basically having a great result like this since the beginning of the year,” the Williams chief admitted.
“You could see it was on the cards. It just never came together for one reason or another. [For] drivers, this suddenly builds your confidence and momentum and allows you to step forward. That’s what I wanted for Carlos.”
Until Sunday, Sainz’s best finish had been eighth. His Baku drive not only broke that streak but also reaffirmed to Vowles why bringing him into the fold was the right move.
“I think he definitely needed it,” Vowles said. “We all needed it as a team, though.
“It just shows to the world this is absolutely where we are and this is the journey we’re on together. And for Carlos it’s fundamentally I think a ratification for the decision he took a year ago.”
A podium that will “stay forever”
For Vowles, who enjoyed countless champagne celebrations during his long stint at Mercedes, last Sunday’s Baku podium held extra meaning as it was his first as Williams team principal.
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“It’s extraordinary,” he said. “I’ve had the pleasure of having many podiums in my career, but this one will stay with me forever. It means a huge amount to me.
“From where the team was, on our journey, to where we’re going. But Carlos earned it today. This wasn’t luck, this was him driving his socks off all weekend.”
The result has lifted spirits inside the Grove factory and, perhaps just as crucially, lifted Sainz himself. A confidence-starved season suddenly has momentum – and Williams now has proof their rebuild is yielding results.
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