Williams has confirmed Carlos Sainz will make his Formula 1 debut with the team in the Abu Dhabi post-season test.
Sainz was left looking for a new drive when Ferrari announced its signing of Lewis Hamilton on a multi-year deal starting in 2025.
After months of deliberation, the Spaniard settled on Williams, inking a multi-year deal with the Grove-based outfit.
Ahead of teaming up with Alex Albon full-time in 2025, Williams confirmed Sainz will participate in December’s test at the Yas Marina circuit.
“Williams Racing is pleased to announce today 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,” a team statement read on Friday.
“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.”
Hamilton, meanwhile, won’t be able to make his debut as Sainz’s Ferrari replacement until next year, due to contractual obligations with Mercedes.
With Sainz participating as Williams’ senior driver at the Abu Dhabi post-season test, the team will need to field a rookie alongside him.
This opportunity could potentially fall to Williams Academy Driver Luke Browning, who finished third in this year’s FIA Formula 3 Championship.
Carlos Sainz: It’s ‘important’ to join ‘super committed Williams’
Sainz will be leaving a race-winning, title-chasing outfit in Ferrari to join a Williams outfit embroiled in F1’s midfield scrap.
Williams is one of the most successful teams in F1 history but endured a downward spiral in the 2010s that it’s still recovering from.
Still, Sainz is heading to Grove to lead Williams forward.
“I want to feel listened; I want to feel like I can help,” Sainz said earlier this year.
“And this in a historical team like Williams, when they have a clear vision and [are] super committed to bringing the team back to the front with very clear investment partners.
“It’s something that was important for me and the results for ‘25 I know they might not be wins or podiums, but I still think we can do a good job.”
READ MORE – Franco Colapinto backs Carlos Sainz to help elevate Williams up the F1 order
