Lando Norris has expressed strong belief in the future of his former teammate Carlos Sainz, insisting that the Spaniard deserves to be competing at the front of the Formula 1 grid. Sainz’s 2024 season was marked by a dramatic turn of events when he learned that Lewis Hamilton would replace him at Ferrari in 2025. The news left Sainz “hurt,” but he continued to perform at a high level despite the uncertainty surrounding his future.
Sainz’s contract situation led him to secure a move to Williams for 2025, where he will partner with Alex Albon. However, while Williams is still in the process of rebuilding after finishing ninth in the 2024 Constructors’ Championship, Norris is confident that Sainz’s talent and experience will help propel the team back toward the front of the grid. Norris, who raced alongside Sainz at McLaren in 2019 and 2020, stated, “Carlos is someone I know well and I’ve started racing in Formula 1 with Carlos. You always knew he was going to be there and he was always going to put up a good fight.”
Norris emphasized that Sainz has consistently improved the teams he has raced for, and Williams will benefit from his experience. He further pointed out that Sainz’s work ethic will ensure that the team moves forward and that the Spaniard’s influence could be crucial in their push for improvement.
Norris also mentioned that Sainz’s abilities are undeniable, and he believes the 30-year-old deserves a “good seat” in F1. While the move to Williams may not provide immediate opportunities for Sainz to fight for victories, Norris is hopeful that future changes in regulations, especially in 2026, could see Williams rise to the top of the grid once again. He added, “He deserves to fight for championships and wins,” and believes Sainz’s time at the top is far from over.
Norris expressed confidence that Sainz’s efforts with Williams will help the team return to competitiveness, ensuring that Sainz’s place among the elite of F1 is only a matter of time.
