Sainz pins hopes on Mercedes engine as Williams tackles new era

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Carlos Sainz is feeling confident about Williams’ prospects under the 2026 F1 regulations, buoyed in particular by what he’s hearing about Mercedes’ next-generation engine.

The Spaniard admits that the allure of Mercedes’ engine power was a major driver behind his decision to join Williams after his exit from Ferrari at the end of last year.

With advanced sustainable fuels and hybrid tech set to redefine the sport, Sainz is banking on the German manufacturer’s engineering excellence to deliver the horsepower he and Williams need to chase glory.

“Yes, I have a lot of confidence in the Mercedes engine,” Sainz told El Partidazo de COPE.

“It’s actually one of the main reasons I chose Williams for this new regulation change. I knew we’d be running the Mercedes power unit, and everything I’ve heard about it has been positive, and still is.”

Strong Chassis Still a Prerequisite

Mercedes will supply engines to Williams, McLaren, and Alpine, and also to its own works outfit, meaning the performance battle will also depend heavily on chassis development.

“But of course, we can’t forget that Mercedes will have the Mercedes engine, McLaren will have it, Alpine will have it, and so will Williams,” Sainz added.

“That’s already four teams, eight cars, with the same engine, and two of those teams, especially McLaren, are superior right now.

©Williams

“So, no matter how good the engine is, you still need to get everything right with the chassis. And of course, Aston Martin with Honda will be competitive, and Ferrari will always be there. Ferrari are always in the fight.”

"Interesting" Uncertainty Ahead

Williams boss James Vowles, a key figure in Mercedes’ hybrid-era dominance, stressed the unknowns that remain on the engine front for 2026.

“It’s an interesting talk in the paddock because no one knows. That’s just the facts behind it,” Vowles said, quoted by Crash.net.

“Mercedes have always done well with regulation changes, because they get ahead of the curve, they forward invest ahead of the curve.

“There’s no doubt about that. But the reality behind it is we don’t know what Ferrari have got, or what Honda have got. It’s just a complete unknown at this point in time.

“So, I’m really pleased with the work that we say these have done with the preparation and their development, but until the lights go out in Australia, no one knows.”

Sainz’s confidence in Mercedes’ powertrain, combined with Williams’ efforts on the chassis side, sets the stage for an intriguing battle as the sport transitions into its next-generation era.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.