Carlos Sainz delivered one of the feel-good stories of the 2025 Formula 1 season by claiming his first podium in Williams colors at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix – and the Spaniard couldn’t hide just how much it meant. Best podium in my career! This is my first Smooth Operation in Williams!” Sainz roared over team radio as he crossed the finish line, clearly overwhelmed. Williams Back in BusinessFor Williams, Sainz’s third place was historic in itself – their first full-distance Grand Prix podium since Baku 2017 with Lance Stroll. The Spaniard jumped to 12th in the drivers’ championship with 31 points, while Williams cemented fifth in the standings, a healthy 39 points clear of Aston Martin.