George Russell took Baku pole by 0.837 seconds as Kimi Antonelli crashed, Leclerc edged Piastri by a thousandth and a grid penalty dropped Sainz down the order.

Williams arrives in Baku with its largest FW48 upgrade of the season, chasing points and evidence that its development direction can close a rapidly moving midfield gap.

Carlos Sainz will race in his home city for the first time after helping Madrid’s new Grand Prix take shape as an ambassador and adviser. The homecoming is deeply personal, but he expects a difficult weekend for Williams.

Carlos Sainz has signed a new multi-year Williams deal, joining Alex Albon in the team’s confirmed 2027 Formula 1 line-up.