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Carlos Sainz, the seasoned Williams driver, recently shared intimate reflections on his Formula 1 career, detailing the significant moments that have shaped his professional and personal life. Despite a frustrating 2026 season with the FW48 car, which has not delivered the anticipated results, Sainz believes he is currently performing at his career's pinnacle. His interview, conducted prior to the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, reveals a deep connection to Baku, a venue that holds cherished memories of his first podium with Williams, a feat he considers among his greatest achievements.

During a candid discussion, Sainz opened up about the contrasting emotions of his current situation. He feels he is driving exceptionally well, indicating a personal peak in his abilities. However, this internal satisfaction is overshadowed by the car's performance, leading to a "lost year" in terms of achieving team objectives. This disparity between personal excellence and team results has been a source of considerable frustration for the 32-year-old driver.

Sainz joined Williams in 2025, bringing with him a wealth of experience from previous stints with teams like Toro Rosso, Renault, McLaren, and Ferrari. He emphasized that his contribution to Williams extends beyond his driving skills, encompassing his extensive experience and unique working methods. Having competed with top-tier teams such as Ferrari, Sainz is well-positioned to guide Williams towards higher levels of performance, offering a benchmark for what is required to reach the elite echelons of Formula 1. The presence of other experienced figures, including James Vowles from Mercedes and Alex Albon from Red Bull, further strengthens the team's collective knowledge and ambition to elevate Williams' status.

His decision to commit to Williams was driven by a strong belief in the team's long-term vision and its personnel. While acknowledging the disappointment of the current season, which starkly contrasts with the unexpected successes of the previous year, Sainz remains confident in the project's trajectory. A crucial factor in his commitment is the supportive environment at Williams, where his input is valued and acted upon. This sense of being heard is fundamental for Sainz, recalling similar positive experiences during his time at McLaren and Ferrari, periods he considers some of the best in his career due.

Sainz also delved into the mental fortitude required to navigate the highs and lows of professional racing. He admits to struggling with bad race days, often replaying mistakes in his mind. However, years of experience have taught him resilience, helping him understand that a single poor performance does not diminish a driver's overall worth. This wisdom allows him to move past setbacks, knowing that success can quickly follow, as exemplified by his podium finish in Baku that turned perceptions around.

Reflecting on the most challenging period of his career, Sainz pinpointed the months following his departure from Ferrari. He had envisioned a long-term future with the Italian team, believing he and Charles Leclerc had built a strong foundation. The unexpected change necessitated a period of self-reassessment and goal-setting. Despite the initial difficulty, this challenging phase ultimately propelled him to some of his career's strongest performances, including a victory in Australia and multiple podium finishes in 2024.

Conversely, his best moments include cherished memories from McLaren, where he achieved his first podiums, and the unforgettable victories with Ferrari, each win holding a special significance due to the circumstances surrounding them. His podium with Williams further validated his decision to join the team, a choice some initially viewed as audacious. These triumphs underscore his journey of perseverance and strategic career choices.

Addressing the impact of his famous surname, Sainz revealed that it was a burden during his karting years, particularly between ages 11 and 14. The pressure and unfair treatment he sometimes faced due to his father's reputation were difficult, though he now sees it as a formative experience that he might one day chronicle. Despite missing out on typical teenage experiences, he never viewed his sacrifices as such, driven by an unwavering passion for racing.

If he could offer advice to his younger self, Sainz would assure him that the journey was profoundly worthwhile. He would tell his 15- or 16-year-old self, who might have harbored doubts about reaching Formula 1, not to worry. He would affirm that not only would he achieve his dream, but he would also surpass his wildest expectations, enjoying a career even more remarkable than he could have imagined.

Carlos Sainz's reflections provide a poignant look into the mind of a Formula 1 driver, balancing intense personal drive with the unpredictable nature of professional sport. His story is one of enduring passion, strategic career decisions, and the continuous quest for excellence, all while navigating the unique pressures of a high-stakes environment.

The FIA and the Automobile Club de l'Ouest (ACO) have cemented a groundbreaking 10-year pact to collectively advance the World Endurance Championship (WEC), ensuring the sustained prosperity of the esteemed sportscar racing league. This extensive collaboration is set to run until the conclusion of the 2037 season, signaling a strong commitment from both governing bodies.

This pivotal agreement surfaces merely weeks after reports from a prominent German publication, Auto Motor und Sport, hinted at brewing disagreements and a possible parting of ways between the two entities as early as next year. However, both the FIA and the ACO swiftly countered these claims, clarifying that their existing arrangement was valid until the end of 2027, not 2026, as previously misreported.

The newly unveiled accord, formally announced on a Wednesday, extends the foundational partnership by an additional decade. Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the FIA, articulated the gravity of the decision, stating, "This is more than just a formal understanding; it represents a crucial progression for motorsport that guarantees the future trajectory of the FIA World Endurance Championship for many years ahead." He further emphasized, "This is a forward-looking deal, a generational agreement, strengthening the bonds between the FIA and ACO, a relationship that spans over 120 years, positioning the championship for a decade of unparalleled expansion that will yield substantial advantages for fans, competitors, teams, and manufacturers alike." Ben Sulayem conveyed his honor in contributing to the collaborative spirit that has ushered in what he terms a "golden age of endurance racing" and expressed anticipation for continued cooperation with President Pierre Fillon and his team to build upon this momentum towards an even more robust future.

Echoing these sentiments, Pierre Fillon, President of the Automobile Club de l'Ouest, voiced his enthusiasm regarding the extended agreement. He remarked, "We are thrilled to witness the continuation of the partnership between the FIA and the ACO, reinforcing the deep-rooted and enduring relationship that has been central to the FIA World Endurance Championship since its inception in 2012. This alliance is built on mutual trust, shared aspirations, and a collective dedication to fostering the growth of endurance racing." Fillon also added, "Together, the FIA and the ACO have laid a strong groundwork for the championship's ongoing success and global reach, and we eagerly anticipate co-authoring the next chapter of this remarkable joint venture. I extend my gratitude to FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem for the excellent rapport we have cultivated."

In a joint declaration, the FIA and the ACO affirmed that the extended agreement "solidifies a common ambition to broaden the partnership and stimulate commercial prosperity." With the commencement of this extension, all regulatory procedures will fall under the purview of the FIA Working Group and the FIA Endurance Championship, with the World Motor Sport Council retaining the authority to ratify all decisions. Moreover, the FIA and the ACO will jointly supervise the homologation process for all vehicles participating in the Hypercar category, introducing a streamlined approach. As anticipated, the FIA will also benefit from increased visibility at event venues, including a more prominent presence in parc fermé, on podiums, and on safety cars, as well as during television broadcasts, further enhancing its brand recognition.

The renewal of the decade-long partnership between the FIA and ACO signifies a monumental step for the World Endurance Championship, ensuring stability and growth for the premier sportscar series. This strategic alliance aims to fortify the championship's foundations, fostering continued innovation and fan engagement, and sets a clear path for its evolution and expansion in the competitive landscape of global motorsport.