Williams fight predicted to be one-sided - but it will not be so easy

Williams is a team that is very much looking to the future and the hope it can climb the pecking order having been positioned towards the rear for some time.

It has recruited Carlos Sainz for 2025, beating a handful of F1 rivals for the Spaniard's signature after he was forced to find a new home in light of Ferrari's hiring of Lewis Hamilton.

The 30-year-old adds a crucial element to Williams' driver line-up - experience.

It's a factor that the team has missed in recent years as it has often taken to employing a driver with little experience to partner Alex Albon.

But as Vowles looks to install his vision at the team which he has always maintained is a long-term project, that is no longer the case. For Albon, he is no doubt facing his biggest test at the Grove-based squad since he joined in 2022.

As part of a series, RacingNews365 asked readers which driver they believed would come out on top from each of the 10 partnerships on the grid in 2025.

Exactly 85 per cent of respondents have backed Sainz to emerge on top and get the better of Albon.

Full result below. Article continues underneath.

Analysis

From the poll results, the consensus is set that Sainz is the clear favourite to emerge from the campaign leading Albon in the standings.

It's easy to place your bets on Sainz as we've watched him over the last handful of seasons compete for pole positions, podiums and race wins. 

The Spaniard has delivered some immaculate performances during his time at Ferrari which made him a highly sought-after figure when he became available on the driver market.

But the adjustment he will go through will be the biggest of his career. Just a couple of months ago, he was helping Ferrari's push to win the constructors' title. Now, he will likely be present towards the rear of the grid, assisting Williams with its long-term goal.

It will require sturdy mental strength to adapt to the situation and not attempt to over-deliver - which perhaps was Williams' downfall in 2024 when it suffered a series of late-season crashes.

Albon is well-embedded in the Williams team as he enters his fourth season at Grove - but this time, not as the established team leader. 

The Thai driver has been a reliable source of points for Williams across the last handful of years and will be keen to prove that he is as much of a player in the team's future as Sainz is.

Albon can even use Sainz and lean on his team-mate's experience to implement new driving tricks and styles to better himself.

But Sainz is arguably at the peak of his career and is coming off the back of a strong campaign during which he consistently showcased his value as a driver in competitive machinery.

Ultimately, Williams has little time for intra-team rivalries as it puts its focus on future success. The drivers will know that and will not move to jeopardise it for self-pride. 

But with his experience at major F1 players such as Ferrari and McLaren under his belt, Sainz will waste no time proving why Williams fought so hard to sign him.

Verdict: Carlos Sainz