Williams has announced that Carlos Sainz will drive for the team during post-season testing in Abu Dhabi in December.

Sainz is contracted to Ferrari until the end of 2024, but Williams confirmed the 30-year-old will join the team for post-season testing at Yas Marina after the final round of the campaign.

Williams confirms Carlos Sainz to take part in post-season testing in Abu Dhabi

Sainz will finish the season in Ferrari colors before crossing the pit lane to join Williams, with post-season testing in Abu Dhabi marking the end of on-track racing in 2024.

This is not the first time such a move has taken place ahead of a previously announced change, with Kimi Raikkonen also having been cleared by Ferrari to take part in post-season testing with Alfa Romeo following his departure from the Scuderia in 2018. like Sebastian Vettel doing it with Aston Martin in 2020.

Post-season testing in Abu Dhabi sees a mix of young drivers get the chance to test current Formula 1 machinery, alongside the current grid who carry out tests for Formula 1 tire suppliers Pirelli.

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Williams said via his official website: “This first opportunity allows Carlos and Williams to begin building their relationship together ahead of the next term.

“The test session at the Yas Marina circuit will provide the Spaniard with a valuable opportunity to begin to integrate into his new team environment, when he drives the FW46 for the first time.”

Sainz signed a long-term contract with Williams after lengthy negotiations with the teams in the paddock, when it was confirmed that Lewis Hamilton would join Ferrari from 2025.

However, Hamilton will not join Ferrari at the start of post-season testing in Abu Dhabi, with PlanetF1.com understanding that the seven-time world champion and Mercedes will carry out pre-planned farewell activities with the team, as he ends a 12-season association with the Silver Arrows.

Sainz will head to Williams to partner Alex Albon next season, in a move the team says they are “forming”one of the most formidable crews on the grid.

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