Rookie Takes: A Smooth Operation in Baku
AT LAST. FINALLY. IT IS UPON US.
Carlos Sainz gets a podium! In a Williams! Based on pure pace!!!!!
I was at the edge of my seat the entire time. I couldn't finish eating. I couldn't concentrate. I was trying to distract myself and not focus my eyes on the time tower. I've been watching long enough to know that a race isn't over until it is literally over, when cars have actually crossed the finish line. And sometimes, even then, post-race penalties still happen. So I didn't want to get my hopes up.
Even though getting that P2 on Qualifying last Saturday was already too good to be true. My gut was telling me that this was it - what I've been waiting for all season long - and that the true pace of the car, in addition to his skill, was finally being reflected. But my mind knew better. It was right to feel cautious and to automatically temper my expectations.
This season has no doubt been difficult. Aside from the reality of adjusting to a new engine and a new team, the last few races were extremely unlucky for Carlos. It seemed like week after week, something beyond his control was out to fuck things up for him, whether it was poor strategy or just poor timing.
But finally. FINALLY. This week, the gods decided to spare him from all that - and rewarded him for all the pain he's enduring. Rightfully so! He played it straight and he played it well. He was so calm and collected in his execution, but the team also did incredible all throughout. They listened to his input, they gave him what he needed. And they pulled it off. THEY PULLED IT OFF.
A WILLIAMS ON A PODIUM.
All year long, Carlos was saying, "It's probably going to take a while before you see me on a podium again." Us fans have already accepted this. His critics were quick to declare him "washed" despite him being ahead of Alex in the head-to-head stats for Quali. But look where we are! Look what he did! Look at all this! Our delusions have fueled our dreams into fruition!!!
So, so, so incredibly deserved. And yet another example of why I've recently embraced with open arms the wonderful feeling of being invested in a sport! And in particular, in an athlete! Because yes, you get all the lows, the heartbreak, the tears. But when the winds change and Lady Luck ultimately turns her head towards you, oh how wonderful it feels! How triumphant! Makes you more grateful for all the shit that you had to wade through, because the win tastes just that much sweeter.
I'm quite moved about this podium and agree with what he said about it being the best one yet. I loved his wins at Ferrari, each one was incredibly special and all of them will be remembered fondly by his fans, and by the F1 community at large. His defiant first Silverstone win in 2022, the post-appendicitis heroics at Melbourne 2022, the perfect weekend at Mexico 2022. And of course, who could forget the legendary Singapore 2023, where he emerged as the only non-Red Bull winner that year thanks to his brilliant strategizing. All of those wins, and all the other podiums at Ferrari and McLaren have been spectacular in their own ways.
But this one? This isn't with a top team. Last year, Williams finished 9th in the Championship, only scoring 17 points. Carlos may have had slim pickings when it came to 2025 offers, but he's turned his choice into something remarkable. He's managed to make the most of his opportunity and quickly helped the team with this amazing turnaround. Of course, it's not just him, everyone at the Grove played a significant role in turning this team from a backmarker to a Top 5 team. (Much credit goes to James Vowles and Alex Albon too, of course. And let's not forget: the unicorn Sparkles! 🦄)
And oh, how poetic! It came at just the right time. Near the anniversary of his dominant Singapore 2023 win. Just in time to shush the critics who were ready to dismiss him.
I am so, so, sooo happy! This is why we watch sports!! I am so excited! BRB playing Sade and buying all the merch I've had on my cart for the last few months.
Carlos Sainz, back on the podium!!!
All together now: No need to ask he's a smooth operatooooooor.
