The Japan Grand Prix is important for Carlos Sainz. He lived, in Australia and China, two strange races, rescued a point after the mess of disqualifications in Shanghai and faces Suzuka with a mission in the head: progress and feel more comfortable with Williams. First, the feeling is positive. It ended 10th in the two free training on Friday (1: 29,333 and 1: 28,832), improved Alex Albon and is a contender to enter the Q3.
Sainz and Norris, in training.
In the global balance, the FW47 appears in an interesting area of the middle group. Yes, the Racing Bulls grow (Hadjar is 3rd and Lawson 5th) or Gasly slipped in the afternoon. But Sainz showed solidity and it was known to the most delicate moment of training. At the beginning of the FP2, he found a wild rebound in the car. The one that appeared at the dawn of the regulation and especially penalized stars like Lewis Hamilton. It soon asked for changes.
“We monitor it,” the radio team repeated. Sainz entered the box and the rear of the FW47 was the focus of the modifications. But it was afloat and despite being a hard FP2, Sainz took a good round in the final minutes. In the positive FP1 line. Will fight.
Correct address
“Many things happened on Friday,” Sainz explained. “In the FP1 we work on different things and achieved a good batch. However, the FP2 had too many cuts and we did not get an appropriate reading of the things we want,” he added. Of course, the message for hope exists. Added to good position.
In the FP1 we work on different things and achieve a good batch. However, the FP2 had too many cuts and we did not get an appropriate reading
Carlos Sainz
Williams Driver Carlos Sainz of Spain Steers His Car During the First Practice Session for The Japanese Formula One Grand Prix at The Suzuka Circuit in Suzuka, Central Japan, Fridy, April 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Shuji Kajiyama)
“We are working in the right direction,” explained the Spanish. But there is much, more with the madness of Saturday that should be lived between the forecast of time (possibility of rain) and the little filming in the teams. “It will be a crazy FP3 for all, there are many things to try and the wind direction will change,” he launched. With a clear phrase. “Things can go very different from how they are today,” he added.
Things can go very different from how they are today
Carlos Sainz
In the total, Sainz improved his partner Albon. “I still have to improve, but I am confident and I find myself well,” said the Thai. And the Williams seems to progress from the hand of several modifications in the front zone, focused on the lateral plate and the upper flap of the car. They were one of the five teams that present touches for the third Grand Prix of the season. In addition to those of Grove, Red Bull, Racing Bulls, Haas and Stake Sauber are added.