Carlos Sainz: I really trust Mercedes engines.

      Carlos Sainz is confident that the Mercedes power unit, built for the next-generation cars that Formula 1 will switch to in 2026, will be quite competitive.

      The new power units differ from the current ones by a hybrid system that is twice as efficient and will run on fuel derived from renewable sources. Overall the championship is preparing for rather radical reforms that promise significant changes in the balance of power.

      Typically, one of the most significant factors affecting race results in such cases will be the efficiency, power and reliability of the power units. For example, that was the case in 2014, when Formula 1 switched from naturally aspirated engines to hybrid power units, and Mercedes had an unmistakable advantage then. Now there are once again talks that the engines built in Brixworth could well be the best next season.

      "Yes, I trust the Mercedes engines a lot," Carlos Sainz said in an interview with Madrid radio station Cope. "In fact, that was one of the main reasons why I chose Williams before the change to the new technical regulations. I knew we would have a Mercedes power unit, about which I had heard only positive feedback and continue to hear now.

      "Of course, you have to remember that such engines will be used by Mercedes, McLaren, Alpine, and us. That's already four teams, eight cars, and they will all have the same engines, and two of those teams are currently ahead of Williams, primarily McLaren. Therefore, regardless of how good the engine will be, it's necessary to get everything right in the chassis development process. Naturally, Aston Martin will also be competitive, having received Honda power units, and, as always, Ferrari will be a contender for wins."

      James Vowles, the Williams team principal, worked for Mercedes for a very long time in the past and knows the capabilities of that team's engine division very well.

      "Mercedes have always handled the task well when regulations have changed," he believes. "This is explained by the fact that they work ahead of time, investing in advance, before changes begin. On the one hand, there is no doubt about that; on the other, in fact we don't know what Ferrari and Honda are preparing.

      "So far nothing is known about that at all. Overall, I'm very pleased with the preparatory work we are doing together with the Mercedes engine people; I'm happy with how they are moving forward. Although, still, no one will know anything until the start of the 2026 Australian Grand Prix."