Sainz and Williams wake up from the dream in Singapore
After the unexpected podium achieved in Azerbaijan, Carlos Sainz and Williams come down from cloud nine to face the Singapore Grand Prix, the toughest of the season. Both the Spanish driver and Alexander Albon hope to pass the test with flying colors.
Carlos Sainz wiped away the bad feelings accumulated during the season by climbing to the third step of the podium at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. On the urban circuit of Baku, the Williams driver was perfect from start to finish and finally achieved the result he had long deserved.
But all that is now in the past, and now it's time to face the Singapore Grand Prix, which is possibly the most physically and mentally demanding event of the season.
"Singapore is a very different circuit from Baku; it is a narrow track and physically demanding with the heat and humidity"
Carlos Sainz Knows What It Is to Win in Singapore
The Marina Bay circuit brings back great memories for Carlos Sainz, as in 2023 he was the only driver to break Red Bull's dominance by winning on its streets with the Ferrari.
This year, the challenge will be different: to take advantage of the opportunities that the Williams FW47 gives him on a circuit that is good for a single-seater that does not handle long and linked corners well. But the layout will not be the only challenge of the weekend.
"Singapore is always one of the toughest races of the year, both physically and mentally, but it is also one of the most rewarding when done well, and I have great memories of being here," summarizes Carlos Sainz in this regard. "I am very eager to get back behind the wheel and keep pushing and gaining momentum for the remaining races of the season. Let's go for it!".
Certainly, Singapore tests the physical and mental strength of the drivers, as it combines heat with extreme humidity and a circuit that offers no respite during its 19 corners.
That is why Carlos Sainz is already forgetting about Baku and focusing on what lies ahead this weekend: "Baku was a great weekend for us. It was fantastic to be back on the podium, and we all enjoyed it together. However, Baku is now in the past, and we quickly focused on what awaits us."
Home Race for Albon
For his part, Alexander Albon also approaches the Singapore Grand Prix with great enthusiasm. Being Thai, he feels this event as a home race since it is the closest in terms of culture and distance.
"The team achieved a great result in Baku, so I hope we can continue to capitalize on these results for the second half of the season. I am very excited to race in Singapore, as I always feel it as a home race and it will be fantastic to be in front of the fans and race under the lights."
"Singapore is a very different circuit from Baku; it is a narrow track and physically demanding with the heat and humidity, so acclimatizing quickly and maintaining the pace is always a priority. We will focus on performing well in qualifying and preparing for the race," concludes Alex Albon.
The main objective of Williams in Singapore will be to maintain or extend the gap with their pursuers in the battle for fifth place in the constructors' championship. Racing Bulls is sixth, 29 points behind the British team, while Aston Martin is seventh with 10 points less than the Italian-Austrians.
Fotos: Williams Racing