Ferrari has released Carlos Sainz early from his F1 contract to test for Williams Racing in Abu Dhabi post the 2024 season.
After Haas confirmed Esteban Ocon being granted release from Alpine to test for the American F1 outfit in Abu Dhabi, Williams has announced the same with Sainz. The Spaniard has been given all-clear by Ferrari for the post-season test.
It will allow Sainz to drive for Williams and get his first taste of his new F1 team. It is a big step from the Italian manufacturer to release the Spaniard, especially since Mercedes isn’t doing the same for Lewis Hamilton to drive the Ferrari in Abu Dhabi.
The Brit will get to run at Fiorano in January, though, in an older car for his first taste. Apart from Sainz and Ocon, it is most likely that Nico Hulkenberg will be released by Haas to drive the Kick Sauber (Stake F1 Team) car in Abu Dhabi.
“Williams Racing is pleased to announce today that Carlos Sainz will join the team for the upcoming Abu Dhabi end-of-season test, marking the first steps in his preparations for the 2025 season,” said the statement from the F1 team.
“This early opportunity will allow both Carlos and Williams to begin building their relationship. The test session will provide a valuable chance for Carlos to begin integrating into his new team environment, and he will drive the FW46 for the first time.
“Carlos will drive for Williams alongside Alex Albon in 2025, forming one of the most formidable driver line-ups on the grid,” it stated. It remains to be seen which other F1 teams will get to field their 2025 drivers during the timely one-day Pirelli test.
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