Carlos Sainz finished ninth at the Chinese Grand Prix, earning Williams its first points of the season through a clever defensive tactic. He activated Overtake mode by exploiting George Russell lapping him, creating a 'fake DRS train' to hold off Franco Colapinto's Alpine.
At the Chinese Grand Prix, Carlos Sainz demonstrated sharp tactical awareness to clinch ninth place for Williams despite the team's overweight car. With few laps remaining, Sainz faced pressure from Franco Colapinto, who had switched to medium tires and was closing in rapidly after starting on hards. An opportunity arose when George Russell needed to lap both drivers on the long straight to Turn 14. Sainz intentionally eased off the throttle on the exit, positioning himself within one second of Russell at the Overtake mode detection line. This allowed him to activate the mode, similar to the old DRS, using extra electrical energy to defend against Colapinto by providing dirty air and increased power. Sainz explained: 'I saw the blue flags coming and I said 'if I play this well and give him dirty air, get my Overtake mode, give him dirty air, get my Overtake mode'. Rather than DRS train, an Overtake mode train.' The move succeeded, securing a valuable point amid retirements, including Max Verstappen's cooling issue pit stop and both McLarens. Sainz noted: 'It was a P9... For the team, a point is still a good result.' He acknowledged the frustration with the car's performance but hoped the result would motivate the factory: 'I really hope they serve as motivation, as a boost for everyone back home to push and dig deep.' Williams team principal James Vowles has extended the weight-reduction program to about six races.
