In the build-up to Bahrain testing in 2024, Williams faced a series of major problems. From logistical concerns to missed development targets, they were on the defensive.
Thankfully for the Grove-based team, various changes are creating a far more promising image heading into 2025.
Not only are Williams anticipating a positive trajectory, but team principal James Vowles explains that Carlos Sainz is already making an impact.
F1 2025 could be a step forward for Williams
In many ways, the volume of headlines that surrounded Williams last season was unprecedented.
From Logan Sargeant’s dismissal to the arrival of Franco Colapinto, there were plenty of big developments for the British squad.
Arguably the most persistent issue for Williams was their crash damages, which reached the tens of millions by the end of 2024.
Not only were these incidents a headache for engineers, but they had a knock-on effect into the team’s preparations for 2025.
Williams were eventually forced to use older specifications in the final rounds of the year – in a desperate attempt to reduce costs.
For obvious reasons, these conditions have somewhat compromised their preparations for this year’s campaign.
Vowles: Sainz is already making a difference
With that said, team principal James Vowles has painted a very encouraging picture about the factory’s progress.
Vowles is particularly vocal about Carlos Sainz’s impact:
“So he’s [Sainz] been with us, for really a few weeks now,” he told Sky Sports.
“Of course, he tested with us in Abu Dhabi last year,”
“Already now, I’m seeing – some it is intangible – you can see how people are reacting to where he is.
“Where they want to stand up to the level we’re now operating to.”
Sainz is the first race-winner since Felipe Massa to drive for Williams. His presence, whilst an obvious performance boost, also adds pressure.
In response, James Vowles is working to raise the standards at Grove.
With only a few weeks left before pre-season testing, the Williams team principal is excited about the changes:
“In the engineering briefings, how we’re talking [is different].
“This morning for example, we had a meeting for 3-4 hours discussing tyres, systems, what we’re going to move forward – how we’re going to test over the next few weeks.
“It’s a world of difference from where we were, because we have two drivers working together for the success of a team.
“That’s what I was hoping for, but you’re never quite sure if it will translate that way.
“But absolutely the race-winning pedigree that comes with him, and the expertise that comes with Alex [Albon], merging together to make a better unit.”
Making up for lost ground
Like most teams across the team, Williams have been unapologetic about prioritising the 2026 regulations.
Indeed, despite all the obstacles that emerged last year, James Vowles has previously explained that work on 2026 has been unaffected.
The British team have already allocated a series of personnel to focus exclusively on the next regulatory cycle.
READ MORE: Haas profitable, reach budget cap for the first time
Despite this, the next twelve months are not a write-off.
Because of the long-standing strategy to focus on the 2026 cars as quickly as possible, Williams started developing this season’s package relatively early.
In combination with the crash damages sustained, this approach is why hardly any upgrades arrived after the Dutch GP.
This year’s FW47 should be a significant step forward from its predecessor.
Pushing towards the top of the midfield is a realistic objective for Williams, who are also confident their driver line-up is the best it’s had in recent memory.
With infrastructure and recruitment falling into place behind the scenes, James Vowles’ personnel are targeting a notable improvement on their 9th place finish from 2024.
