Carlos Sainz overcomes issues, makes it to Q2 in Belgium

Saturday, 18 July 2026:
- Free Practice 3: P18, 1:48.692, 20 laps
- Qualifying: P15, 1:46.777, 12 laps

• Carlos Sainz was fifteenth in the Qualifying session of the Belgian GP after the set-up changes made in his car following the third and final practice session proved successful.
• The Williams race driver improved his lap-time from Free Practice 3 by a whopping 1.6 seconds to make it through Q1 with a 1:47.080 lap, which allowed him to be fifteenth in that session.
• In Q2 he found three more tenths to go down to 1:46.777 and ensure the fifteenth spot on the grid, which will turn into P14 at least due to the penalties that other drivers are carrying over.
• Carlos is aware that points are an ambitious goal, but is glad that the FW48 regained its strength. He is now committed to seizing every chance that comes his way.

QUOTES:
“It's been a tough weekend so far. We were dealing with an issue in all of the practice sessions, so it was a relief to find a fix for qualifying and get the car working as it should. Getting into Q2 was a positive, putting in some good laps and extracting everything from the car. Tomorrow will be about executing a clean race and avoiding any drama around us. We'll need some chaos to get within reach of points, so we'll look to maximise any opportunities that come our way".

COMING UP:
Sunday, 19 July 2026:
- Race: 16:00 local time (16:00 CEST)