Carlos Sis believes he can turn his shock front row start into Williams’ first podium after making the most of his chaotic qualifying session at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
Sainz is second in line with pole sitter Max Verstappen after winning the Q3’s first flying lap before the red flag for a crash due to Charles Leclerc and Oscar Piastri interrupting the session.
By the time Q3 resumed, conditions had cooled and light rain had sprinkled the circuit. Only Verstappen could reach within 0.1 seconds of the Spanish banker’s lap, with Sainz secured the front row spot.
It was Williams’ first front row start since the 2021 Belgian Grand Prix, and George Russell won’t complete the race lap, but finished second.
The results remain Williams’ latest podium. Before that, the team’s previous such trophies had been claimed by Lancestrol at the 2017 Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
Asked what the purpose of the race would be, the sign said, “Try stick it on the podium. We’ll do our best to give Williams the first podium.”
Later he added: “We try to keep it consistent and see the pace of the car.
The podium-sized point has led Williams for much of the season, heading towards reducing the gap between him and teammate Alex Albon. The Thai driver, who is expected to be 19th in Baku’s first quarter, is seventh in the title table, 11th and 54 points ahead.
Less Less separated teammates in qualifying, which is Sainz’s best Saturday result that’s comfortable for Williams. The Spaniard’s final front row start was for Ferrari, the Las Vegas Grand Prix last year.
“Unfortunately, this is one of those years where nothing is put together when it comes to Sundays and results,” he said in defense of the results. “But today I am proven that my speed is there, putting together a good lap and whenever nothing happens to us, I am quick.
“Today I felt better, and most importantly, I kept the car consistent throughout the weekend. Whenever I had the opportunity to put together a lap, it wasn’t that much. I think I did it today with a total of three or four laps on Quali given the red flag – the laps were good.
“I have speed, and as long as it’s there, I don’t worry. It’s tough these days to get all the points worthy of a team with just a bit of bad luck and too many race incidents.