Sainz: this is the position I deserve, and it’s where the team ought to be.
He dismisses Mercedes speculation following Baku P2
21 September 2025 - 07:50
Carlos Sainz asserts that discussions about a transfer to Mercedes are merely "just rumours," despite his impressive P2 finish in Baku qualifying fueling new conjecture about his future. The Spanish driver, who was let go by Ferrari for 2025, has had a challenging first season at Williams. However, on Saturday, he took advantage of a tumultuous session filled with red flags to secure a spot alongside Max Verstappen on the front row.
"I’ve already found myself on the front row many times, so perhaps that’s why I’m feeling less excitement than I should," he shared with Canal Plus. "I believe this is where I deserve to be and where the team ought to be. But I want it to be about a solid qualifying result, indicating Williams' rightful place in the future."
Sainz further commented to Sky Italia: "I’m pleased; it was a tough day where we had to avoid mistakes. I'm proud to hold second place - I joined Williams with the aim of returning them to the front. Now we need to learn, also in preparation for next year."
However, with reports suggesting that Mercedes might replace the struggling rookie Kimi Antonelli by loaning him to Williams, the 31-year-old Sainz was questioned about the possibility of joining Brackley as George Russell's partner.
"I have a contract with Williams - no one has contacted me," Sainz reiterated. "These are just rumours."
Other articles
Oscar Piastri and Franco Colapinto had their chassis replaced.
On Sunday morning, the FIA confirmed the replacement of the survival cells on Oscar Piastri's and Franco Colapinto's cars after their crashes in qualifying for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
Azerbaijan Grand Prix: Weather forecast for the race
On Friday in Baku it was dry and sunny; on Saturday the wind was troublesome and it rained at times. Surprises are also possible on race day.
Esteban Ocon has been disqualified.
The stewards of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix disqualified Esteban Ocon, removing him from the qualifying results, for his car's non-compliance with the technical regulations.
Franco Colapinto and Pierre Gasly apologized to the team.
Qualifying for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix ended for Alpine as early as the first session. On his decisive attempt, Pierre Gasly made a mistake and entered the "pocket" at Turn Four, and the driver behind him, Franco Colapinto, crashed his car at the same Turn Four.
Williams team principal Vowles tests his skills at the wheel during a GT3 session.
Formula 1 | During the weekend, Williams team principal James Vowles took a break from his regular engineering and leadership responsibilities to drive a GT3 car.
Available sets of tires before the start
Ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, Pirelli's press office published information about the remaining tyre sets available to the drivers.
Sainz: this is the position I deserve, and it’s where the team ought to be.
Formula 1 | Carlos Sainz asserts that discussions regarding a transfer to Mercedes are merely speculation, despite his impressive P2 finish in Baku qualifying, which has fueled fresh rumors about his (…)