Sainz's unfamiliarity with car caused Melbourne crash

Carlos Sainz experienced a surprising crash during the Australian Grand Prix last weekend. Williams' chief engineer, Dave Robson, explained that Sainz's "unfamiliarity" with the FW47 car played a role, especially under wet conditions. Robson noted that Sainz spun out during the safety car phase after shifting gears. He highlighted that Sainz was new to the car and had not practiced in wet conditions before the race. This lack of experience made driving more challenging. Williams team principal James Vowles provided more details about the crash. He explained that Sainz was trying to shift from second to third gear while maintaining a steady throttle. Vowles indicated that the unique settings for the safety car could impact how the car behaves. The conditions in Melbourne were also difficult. Vowles mentioned that cooler tire temperatures in wet weather can reduce grip. As a result, even a small change in power delivery during a gear shift can lead to a spin. Looking ahead, Sainz will compete in his first race with Williams under dry conditions this weekend. The sprint race is scheduled for Saturday, followed by the Grand Prix on Sunday. The team aims to learn from the crash and provide a more predictable car for the drivers.