Alex Albon has admitted he is “very keen” to hear what Carlos Sainz thought about Williams’ 2024 Formula 1 car now his incoming team-mate has sampled the FW46.
Ferrari sanctioning an earlier release allowed Sainz to commence his new venture with Williams earlier this week as he completed his debut appearance in Abu Dhabi.
The Spaniard got up to speed as Williams handed him its last filming day on Monday, while he then collated 145 laps in the post-season test at the Yas Marina Circuit.
Sainz revealed that he intended to use his final laps in Ferrari’s SF-24 en route to second place in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix to memorise where Williams must improve.
READ MORE – How Carlos Sainz plans to use final Ferrari F1 laps to help Williams improve
The multiple-time race winner’s fine attention to detail and relentless work ethic have garnered him a reputation in the paddock as a driver who is an engineer’s dream.
Both McLaren and Ferrari improved across Sainz’s time at their teams, and Williams hopes his contribution will see it deliver on its ambition to return to the sharp end.
Albon has expressed that he is intrigued to see how Sainz compares the Ferrari which almost took the Constructors’ title to the Williams machine that classified ninth.
Asked how much contact he’s had with Sainz since he was announced, Albon told media including Motorsport Week: “Truthfully, not too much. I wish I could say more.
“But I think, obviously, once Abu Dhabi happens, firstly, I’ll be very keen to hear his feedback on the car during the test, see where his head’s at compared to Ferrari.
“I think, obviously, he’ll have a very fresh mind of driving the Ferrari and then coming into Williams of where are our strengths? Where are our weaknesses?”
Sainz will bring ‘a lot to the table’ at Williams
Albon, who has revived his reputation since enduring a battering at Red Bull, believes Sainz will provide new ideas that can accelerate Williams’ progress up the ranks.
“One of the things that I’m looking forward to most with Carlos joining is I remember my time at Red Bull and when I came to Williams, and obviously there’s a lot of things on your mind, things you want to try to improve for the team,” he continued.
“At the same time, I’ve spent now three years at Williams, and it’s nice to almost have someone a little bit fresher than me.
“And coming from a team like Ferrari, I’m sure he’ll bring a lot to the table.
“Of course, I know he will push me. I think he’s having a very strong year this year as well. But it will be a good challenge.”
READ MORE – Carlos Sainz makes strong start to Williams F1 testing debut
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