Williams confirm F1 debut for Sainz

Carlos Sainz will get an earlier-than-expected opportunity to make his debut with Williams.

Sainz was confirmed as a Williams driver for the 2025 campaign ahead of F1's two-week summer break in August.

The Spanish driver had been the subject of intense speculation over his future after it was announced on February 1 that he would lose his seat at Ferrari at the end of this season to seven-time F1 champion Lewis Hamilton.

Rather than waiting until next year's pre-season test in Bahrain to make his bow for Williams, Ferrari has been gracious enough to release him early from his commitments with the Scuderia.

Sainz will now take part in the end-of-season test at Abu Dhabi's Yas Marina Circuit, two days after the curtain comes down on the current campaign at the same venue.

Via a statement, the team said: "Williams Racing is pleased to announce that Carlos Sainz will join the team for the upcoming Abu Dhabi end-of-season test, marking the first steps in his preparations for the 2025 season.

"This early opportunity will allow both Carlos and Williams to begin building their relationship.

"The test session will provide a valuable chance for Carlos to begin integrating into his new team environment, and he will drive the FW46 for the first time.

"Carlos will drive for Williams alongside Alex Albon in 2025, forming one of the most formidable driver line-ups on the grid."