Carlos Sainz inexplicably crashes out on Williams F1 debut in chaotic start to Australian GP

The Spanish driver lost the car while the pack were behind the safety car after Jack Doohan’s crash

Carlos Sainz crashed out of the Australian Grand Prix under safety car conditions in a chaotic start to the 2025 F1 season.

Sainz, who moved to Williams from Ferrari in the off-season, was making his way around the final turn of this 14-turn circuit while the pack followed the safety car after Jack Doohan’s crash on lap one.

The Spaniard then spun into the wall and was unable to manoeuvre his car out of the barrier. He later referred to a “massive torque surge” as to why he lost control of his car.

Sainz had qualified 10th in an impressive qualifying display for Williams, with teammate Alex Albon in sixth. Albon ended up finishing the race in fifth.

Yet Sainz’s engineers had their head in their hands after his early shunt, forcing him out of the season-opening race.

Rookie driver Isack Hadjar had earlier crashed out on the formation lap in a devastating start to his F1 career.

Doohan, also a rookie driver for Alpine, crashed out of his home grand prix on lap one.

Lando Norris won the action-packed season-opener, with Max Verstappen in second and George Russell in third.

Lewis Hamilton finished 10th in his debut for Ferrari. The second race of the 2025 season takes place in China next weekend.

Carlos Sainz crashed out behind the safety car (Getty Images)