Overview

• Carlos Sainz finished third in Azerbaijan behind Max Verstappen and George Russell, delivering Williams’ first podium since 2021 and first full-distance rostrum since 2017.
• The unicorn sticker originated from a child’s Call Carbono submission that asked Sainz to choose between the names Sparkles or Sprinkles and requested he wear a unicorn on his helmet for the year.
• Sainz confirmed he will keep the sticker until the end of 2025, and team principal James Vowles showcased the same unicorn on the podium trophy in a Williams video.
• Verstappen and Russell highlighted the mascot in the cool-down room and told Sainz he should not remove it after the result.
• The podium lifted Sainz from 18th to 12th in the drivers’ standings and strengthened Williams’ hold on fifth in the constructors’ race by 29 points over Racing Bulls.