Sainz tempers expectations with target for debut Williams F1 campaign

Carlos Sainz has outlined his and Williams' objectives for the start of the 2025 F1 season, cautioning fans against being too optimistic after his testing heroics.

The 30-year-old set the quickest outright time in pre-season testing at the Bahrain International Circuit, topping the timing sheets on the second of three days.

It fed into the narrative the Grove-based squad has made considerable gains over the winter and exacerbated the current warm atmosphere surrounding the team.

Sainz is nonetheless staying realistic and not getting ahead of himself. However, he also insists he did not join Williams to merely be an also ran.

"I'm sure you're not going to see me for the podium or the top five this year, so don't get too motivated," he told Spanish publication Marca when asked what fans can expect of the season ahead.

"But at least make sure you know that I didn't come to Williams to hang out, to let the years go by, to be in the middle of the grid.

"If I came to Williams it's to take this team forward and I hope I can do that, and the first thing [topping F1 pre-season testing] at least serves to show people that I'm coming for it, we're going for it."

Aims for the Australian Grand Prix

Looking at what is more accurately achievable across the 2025 campaign, Sainz is aiming for a strong start to the year.

Having struggled last term, the immediate focus for the team will be getting into the top 10 on a consistent basis. Anything more is "asking too much, according to Sainz.

"Points," the four-time grand prix winner said in response to being asked what the objective will be for the season-opening round in Melbourne.

"I think points have to be our target at the beginning of the season. I said it at the presentation of the car, I think anything else is asking too much."