Science: It's important to be in the right place at the right time.

      In an interview with Spanish Marca, Carlos Sainz spoke about Williams, his career, and future plans…

      Question: You have raced for many teams with a great history, at Renault, McLaren, and Ferrari. What is unique about Williams?

      Carlos Sainz: I think it’s that it’s a family team with really strong values and an incredible history, a team that is solely focused on Formula 1 racing, and that is their main goal. They have no other interests, they don’t sell drinks or road cars, they are completely focused on racing and only compete in Formula 1. This makes them a very special team, and I’m glad I can contribute.

      Question: What did you feel when you first arrived at the base in Grove?

      Carlos Sainz: Pride. If at nine years old I had been told that I would race for Ferrari, McLaren, Renault, and then for Williams, I wouldn’t have believed it. I thought that if I could help this team become one of the best again, then it would all be worth it.

      Question: You have seen the cars at the base that Mansell, Prost, Hill, and Villeneuve raced to victory. Would you like to drive them yourself?

      Carlos Sainz: I thought about it and will definitely ask the team. Recently we have been working on improving this year’s car, I haven’t had time for anything else. But the historical aspect is quite interesting.

      Question: While racing for McLaren in 2019 and 2020, you outperformed Lando Norris, who has since become a champion, while you have not. What do you think about that?

      Carlos Sainz: I don’t think anything. I know that in Formula 1 it’s important to be in the right place at the right time to get a chance to fight for the title. Many drivers will leave our sport without ever becoming champions. And in many cases, this will happen simply because they didn’t have a fast car at the crucial moment of their careers. We are not athletes, we are not tennis players, we are very high-level drivers, but our results largely depend on our cars.

      I don’t worry about it. When I had a car that allowed me to fight for wins and podiums, I won. I know that if I get a worthy car again, I will be able to take advantage of it, I won’t just be earning points, but I will be able to squeeze the maximum out of it. That’s really important.

      Question: You have mentioned several times that you are annoyed by the label of a hardworking driver. Rafael Nadal recently said this too. He has also been called a "great worker," as if he is less talented than Federer or Djokovic…

      Carlos Sainz: No, that doesn’t bother me. It seems that you can’t be hardworking and talented at the same time, but look at Cristiano and Messi. To reach the highest level in your sport, you need to be very versatile; it’s not enough to just have one thing.

      It annoys me when everything is simplified like that, but I don’t mind being seen as a hard worker. In fact, I take it as a compliment, and I prefer to be considered a good professional rather than a slacker.

      Question: Do you think you have another ten years in Formula 1?

      Carlos Sainz: I would like to believe so. I feel very competitive and believe that I can maintain this form and even get better.

      Question: How do you see yourself in ten years?

      Carlos Sainz: Just as fast. I believe that speed doesn’t fade unless you notice that you are no longer willing to take risks. I know that speed won’t go anywhere – I see that in my father, and I will have more experience.

      Question: Previously, you were sure that after finishing your career in Formula 1, you would move to rally. Is that still the case?

      Carlos Sainz: Right now, it’s not so obvious for me. Ask me in ten years. I would rather want to compete in Dakar. I am very attracted to other disciplines, but right now I am fully focused on Formula 1. I will have time to think about it.