Carlos Sainz has been given permission by Ferrari to drive in place of Williams in post-season testing in Abu Dhabi next month.
The Spaniard will compete for Williams alongside Alex Albon from 2025. (Pictured top left, with Sainz)Following the signing of Lewis Hamilton from Mercedes, announced by Ferrari earlier this year. Although his contract runs until the end of 2024, Sainz could begin work with Williams in one-day testing driving the FW46 this year following the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
“This early opportunity will allow both Carlos and Williams to begin building their relationship,” Williams said in a statement. “The test session will provide a valuable opportunity for Carlos to integrate into the new team environment and he will get to drive the FW46 for the first time.”
Sainz is one of four current drivers switching teams in the off-season. Esteban Ocon joins Haas and Nico Hulkenberg switches to Stake Sauber following Hamilton’s move.
Four newcomers have also been confirmed to join the grid full-time in the form of Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Oliver Bearman, Jack Doohan and Gabriel Bortoleto. All four are expected to run in Abu Dhabi, with teams allowed to run one car for drivers who have started no more than two grands prix and one car for Pirelli tire testing purposes.
On Friday morning, Williams put an end to the idea that there was a risk of two cars not being ready for the Las Vegas Grand Prix, with a spokesman telling RACER that it would be “business as usual” next weekend following a great effort from the team. These are partners working to overcome the damage suffered in Brazil.
