Sainz sidelined from media duties at Sao Paulo GP due to illness

Williams Racing has announced that Carlos Sainz will miss Thursday’s media day at the Autodromo José Carlos Pace ahead of this weekend’s Sao Paulo Grand Prix, citing illness.

The team confirmed that the Spaniard’s mandatory media obligations have been canceled, though no specific details about his condition were disclosed.

“Unfortunately, Carlos is unwell and will not be coming to track today, so all mandatory media slots will be canceled,” Williams stated in a brief release to the media.

The team remains optimistic about Sainz’s recovery, with expectations that the Spanish driver will return to the paddock for Friday’s opening day of running.

This weekend’s event at Interlagos follows a Sprint format, featuring a single practice session and sprint qualifying on Friday, followed by the sprint race and main grand prix qualifying on Saturday.

The Grand Prix itself is set to start at 5:00 PM UK time (6:00 PM CET) on Sunday.

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Williams enters the Sao Paulo Grand Prix in strong form, holding fifth place in the constructors’ championship with 111 points, a comfortable 39 points ahead of Racing Bulls with just four races left in the 2025 season.

Sainz, currently 11th in the drivers’ standings, trails teammate Alex Albon, who sits in eighth.

As the team prepares for a critical weekend in their fight to maintain their championship position, all eyes will be on Sainz’s recovery and performance on the iconic Interlagos circuit.

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