Despite the surprising shift from Ferrari to Williams, Carlos Sainz could still become a World Champion before his Ferrari teammate, Charles Leclerc, due to his unique ability to perform in less-than-perfect conditions. After four years with Ferrari, Sainz will leave the Scuderia at the end of this season, with Williams being his new destination. This move came after Ferrari opted to sign Lewis Hamilton instead of renewing Sainz’s contract. However, this does not signal the end of Sainz’s title hopes.
One of the most remarkable aspects of Carlos Sainz’s driving is his ability to win races in a car that isn’t the best on the grid. Unlike some of his competitors who rely heavily on having a perfect car, Sainz has shown time and time again that he can extract the maximum potential from a suboptimal machine. This adaptability could be crucial in the coming years, particularly with the massive changes to Formula 1 set to take place in 2026.
The 2026 regulations will bring significant shifts to both the engine and aerodynamic design of the cars. The new power units will feature a 50/50 split between internal combustion and electric power, with sustainable fuels becoming the standard. The cars will also become lighter, smaller, and more agile, shedding up to 30 kilograms. The current DRS system will be replaced with a Manual Override Mode, giving drivers a short electrical boost for overtaking.
These changes could lead to a major shake-up in the sport’s competitive order, and this is where Sainz’s skillset could truly shine. In an era of uncertainty, where the pecking order may be unpredictable, Sainz’s ability to thrive in a less-than-perfect car could give him the edge. With Charles Leclerc in the spotlight at Ferrari, Carlos Sainz may very well secure his first World Championship in 2026, potentially before Leclerc has his own shot.
