Overview

• Carlos Sainz finished third in Baku behind Max Verstappen and George Russell, delivering Williams’ first podium since 2021 and first in a full‑distance race since 2017.
• James Vowles detailed a “menu of about 10” tyre‑prep items that unlocked qualifying pace for a front‑row start, following a candid pre‑weekend reset conversation with Sainz.
• The result moved Sainz from 18th to 12th in the drivers’ standings and extended Williams’ cushion to 29 points over Racing Bulls for fifth in the constructors’ table.
• Vowles expects the Singapore weekend to be difficult due to the team running an older maximum‑downforce wing, while highlighting Vegas, Brazil, Mexico and Abu Dhabi as better opportunities.
• Sainz is keeping a fan‑designed unicorn sticker on his helmet for the rest of the year, and he described Williams as his “life project” as he commits to driving the team’s rebuild.