Carlos Sainz seeking added Williams F1 influence

Carlos Sainz has highlighted his eagerness to have input into the development direction of Williams' car as F1 enters a new era.

New technical regulations will be introduced this year, bringing major change to both the aerodynamic and power unit rules.

It will be Sainz's second campaign as a Williams driver after joining from Ferrari in 2025 - however the Spaniard had little influence on last year's car as the team opted to stop its development early to focus on the 2026 challenger.

With the car due to hit the track for the first time in a few weeks, the opening tests and grand prix weekends will spark a tense development race - one that Sainz is keen to play a role in.

“First of all, I cannot wait to also have an influence on the design of the car,” Sainz told media including RacingNews365.

“The setup philosophy, and the direction that the car can take into next year, to make the drivers feel a bit more comfortable or a bit more at ease from the get go from the baseline of the car that we put on track.

“We can do steps forward already on that side, but I think once the season starts, the driver is going to have more of an influence on software development with HPP [High Performance Powertrains], in this case, Mercedes.

“I think the power unit is going to be a huge thing, and having two experienced drivers like Alex [Albon] and, in that sense, could help.”

Sainz endured a challenging start to life at Williams last year but became more comfortable as the season progressed.

The Spaniard ended the campaign with two surprise podiums and is looking to maintain his confidence level ahead of the sport's new start.

“Then when it comes to setup development, it’s more keep doing what we’ve done this year.

“Just have the effect of before the year, before we put the car on track, and then having the effect of during the year, how to make the car quicker.”