Carlos Sainz's letter to Williams F1 after first season with Grove outfit

Carlos Sainz has given gifts to the Williams Formula 1 team after his first season with the Grove outfit. Members of the team were seen with gift bags, which included a letter from the Spanish driver.

Sainz joined the James Vowles-led team in 2025 after being replaced at Ferrari by seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton. The Spanish driver was drawn to the long-term plan of the team as Vowles works to bring it back to its former glory.

In his first season with Williams, Sainz secured two podiums with third-place finishes at the Azerbaijan and Qatar grands prix. Alongside team-mate Alex Albon, Sainz helped to bring the team a fifth-place finish in the constructors' championship.

In a photo shared on social media of the letter sent from Sainz, he wrote:

"As we close out a remarkable first season together, I want to express my sincere gratitude to each and every one of you for the incredible welcome I have received since day one at Grove. I knew I was joining a very special team, but our first year together has exceeded all my expectations. This specially designed print is a small gesture of appreciation, and I hope it serves as a reminder of what we accomplished together during 2025.

"It is thanks to your dedication and commitment that we have been able to achieve our most ambitious goal this year: securing P5 in the constructors' championship, while also having a bit of fun along the way with the podiums in Baku and Qatar, and the sprint podium in Austin. Those highlights are not mine they are a direct result of your efforts and our teamwork, and I truly hope you feel as proud as I do of every point we have scored."

While the team made a jump in performance in 2025, Sainz noted the long road ahead.

Carlos Sainz, Williams

Photo by: Gabriele Lanzo / Alessio Morgese / NurPhoto via Getty Images

"We have laid solid foundations for the upcoming season, and I cannot wait to go racing again. But make no mistake, there is still a long road ahead before we achieve our ultimate goal of returning this team to its winning ways, to where it belongs," he added.

The 31-year-old driver went on to assure the team that he will continue to bring his "absolute best".

"After our first year together, I have no doubt that we have all the right ingredients to get there, and you can be sure I will give my absolute best to represent you on and off the track to the best of my abilities.

"Be proud of what we are building together, enjoy a well-deserved rest with your loved ones, and see you in 2026 with our batteries fully recharged and ready to go again."