Sainz motivated after Baku podium, eyes strong finish at Singapore Grand Prix

Written by Kavi Khandelwal

Carlos Sainz Jr. has arrived for the 2025 Singapore Grand Prix with revived vigour, stating that he feels a "big boost of motivation" following his brilliant podium finish last time out in Baku.

Credit: Formula One

The result was an important turning point, providing both driver and the team with proof of their potential after what has been a challenging first season together.

For Sainz, the podium was more than just a trophy; it was a confirmation of the progress he believed Williams was making behind the scenes. He explained that for most of the year, he had been parroting a narrative of high potential, but it was "almost difficult to buy it because you could see that I was struggling with getting results."

Sainz said: "I just feel a big boost of energy and a big boost of motivation just to keep going. It's something that I felt like I needed just to confirm that I'm still working in the right direction, doing things right and when we put things together the potential is very high."

Credit: Formula One

The superb performance at the 2025 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, where the team was "almost on pole and a very strong race pace," was exactly the breakthrough he felt both he and the team deserved. With that result now secured, his objective is clear: "Now it's time to try and do a good end of the season."

The podium was a welcome reward after a "tricky first season with Williams" that had been frequently hampered by "bad luck, mechanical woes and a few mistakes." Those issues contributed to several missed opportunities, but there was none of that in the last race, where Sainz drove superbly on both Saturday and Sunday to secure top three finishes entirely on merit.

He now arrives at the circuit that holds special significance. Sainz has a strong history in Singapore, most notably being the only driver to win a race in 2023 other than the Red Bull duo. It was at the 2023 Singapore Grand Prix where he was crowned with the term 'tactical brilliance'.

This past success, combined with his current momentum, makes him a driver to watch this weekend. Furthermore, should rain appear, Sainz is considered "quite handy in greasy conditions," a skill attributed to his childhood learning from his rallying father.