Carlos Sainz expects it could take ‘months’ before Williams reaches the level at which the team regularly scored points at the end of 2025. The Grove-based team suddenly broke through the midfield last year and impressively secured fifth place in the constructors’ championship. However, Williams had a difficult start to the 2026 season. It was only in Miami that Sainz and teammate Alex Albon both finished in the points, partly thanks to a much-needed upgrade package.
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Although both Sainz and Albon finished in the top ten on Sunday, the Spaniard remained critical of the current form of the car. Williams is still struggling with a too heavy chassis, while qualifying and the sprint race were also disappointing. The double points finish only gave him limited satisfaction. “Yes, but thanks to many safety car laps,” he said about the final result. “So this is not yet where we want to be. I expect everyone within the team understands that this is not yet the level we want to reach, even though double points might feel like a relief.”
Realistic
According to Sainz, the team must remain realistic about the situation, despite the first signs of progress. “It is certainly a step in the right direction,” he admitted, “but we have to keep pushing, because we are not where we expected to be at the end of last year. We hoped then that 2026 would mark the revival of Williams. Hopefully, we can reach the desired level again by the end of the year.”
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Williams, like almost all teams, brought new parts to Miami. Sainz confirmed that more updates will follow in the upcoming races but warned that a quick turnaround is unlikely. “It will take a few more months before we can really make a leap forward,” he explained. “I think we have to wait for the last part of the season before there is a real turnaround. But this upgrade has at least worked,” he concluded positively. “Some weight has been taken off the car, but we know there is still room for improvement. We will get a few small updates in the coming races, so we remain positive and keep working on our weaknesses.”
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