Sainz in action for Williams for the first time: Here are the first images!
Not only Ferrari had to say goodbye to Carlos Sainz yesterday as the Spaniard was allowed to drive miles today for Williams, but a major sponsor also follows the driver. Spanish bank Santander is the new partner of the British team, and their logo was already feature on the car as Sainz went out on track.
Williams had hired the Abu Dhabi circuit to give Sainz a chance to get used to his new team, before driving the Pirelli tyre test on Tuesday. Meanwhile, the first images of this test run are now posted on social media.
The Banco Santander logo can already be found on the car. Speaking about the partnership, team principal James Vowles says: "Joining forces with a global banking giant trusted by tens of millions of people around the world is another significant step in our transformation and we look forward to working with Santander to engage and excite fans in the years ahead."
Unsurprisingly, Banco Santander's sponsorship deal with Williams is related to their new driver, Sainz. In late August, the bank announced they will part way with Ferrari after free years.
This article was written in collaboration with Kada Sárközi
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Ok, now I finally understand Sainz Williams move, with Santander behind it. I always thought, where the money should come from. Makes you wonder, if there ever was an option for Sainz-Santander to RedBull. I read that Santander paid approximately 60 million dollars a year to Ferrari. It's basically getting Sainz for free and some nice extra bonus.
Sainz already getting a feeling of how far he has fallen team-wise compared to Ferrari. I hope Williams picks up massively, but free years is a long time to just forget about.
He should have taken the 1 year deal from MB, at least he would have a year near the front to showcase his talent
I think Williams are on the verge of coming good. They have been investing heavily in people and the factory. I reckon, 26 will be a turn around year for them.
You may have a point Retribution simply because it looks like they may be serious about choosing talent over a pay driver, very useful for regular income but not so useful if they want to move up the grid...Come on Williams
It's a long journey. It took McLaren 9 years (from 2015 when they finished 9th) to winning the CC. Whether 26 will be a turn-around year will obviously largely depend on how good the Merc engine is. It would be good to see them starting to beat Racing Bulls and Hass in 25 to see if the investments are starting to pay off but it might be too soon. They've suffered from decades of under-investment. I'd love to see Williams back towards the front third of the grid.
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