Overview

• Carlos Sainz finished third behind Max Verstappen and George Russell, securing Williams’ first podium since 2021 and his maiden rostrum for the team.
• The result lifted Williams to 101 constructors’ points, their first triple-figure total since 2016 and a solid platform for fifth in the standings.
• Vowles said the performance was no fluke, highlighting the car’s suitability to Baku and improved tyre preparation that helped convert a front-row start.
• After a Thursday ‘reset’ conversation with Vowles, Sainz described Williams as his “life project” and said the podium can fuel momentum for the run-in.
• A young fan’s unicorn sticker debuted on Sainz’s helmet and will stay for the rest of the year, as Mercedes’ Toto Wolff sent Vowles a joking “lucky bastard” congratulatory note.