For most of 2025, Williams have been the fastest team in the midfield, consistently running in the top 10 and occasionally flirting with podium finishes.
They have achieved these results despite explicitly stating that the 2026 regulations have been their priority.
Indeed, the factory in Grove has been focused on next year’s car since the beginning of the year – diverting very few resources to this season.
However, James Vowles recently suggested that Williams could bring a few updates later this year – albeit without testing them in the wind tunnel.
Part of the reason for this shift in attitude, among other factors, is the ascendance of Aston Martin – which could threaten the Grove team’s position.
Williams battle with tyres in Monaco
Since the beginning of pre-season testing in Bahrain, both Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon have positive feedback about the FW47.
The British team’s newest challenger, rather than unlocking more performance in any specific area, was stronger across the board.
Williams also managed to reduce last year’s excess weight, delivering additional pace.
Arguably of greater relevance to their success in 2025 has been their tyre management, which – like McLaren – has been instrumental in their advantage over rival teams.
Alex Albon’s extended stint on the medium tyres in Imola was instrumental to his top 5 results.
Therefore, the team’s difficulties with tyre preparation in Monaco has taken away one of their main advantages.
In combination with a resurgent Aston Martin and often competitive VCARB, James Vowles’ squad have been troubled in Monte Carlo.
Today’s Grand Prix still gives Williams a chance to become creative with strategy and compensate for yesterday’s shortcomings.
Starting from 10th and 11th, points are still feasible for the Spanish and Thai drivers.
Crucially, though, the Mercedes pair are starting from P14 and P15 – meaning the Brackley outfit can be expected to execute some creative ideas to climb the grid.
Williams react to qualifying
Alex Albon, who failed to get the tyres in the correct window in Q3, outlined the FW47’s problem in Monaco:
“I think my Q2 lap was half a second quicker than my Q3, so we need to understand why.
“We were in a really good rhythm from FP1 to FP3 and then in Qualifying it seemed that the tyres were not working properly throughout, and they were inconsistent.”
In theory, the mandatory two-stop race will be what determines strategy in today’s Monaco GP.
This will certainly be the case, which could force teams into taking some drastic decisions in the event of any Safety Cars.
However, regardless of the new mandatory two-stops, tyre degradation will also be a key issue for drivers.
Conscious of this, team principal James Vowles has touched on the importance of today’s pit-stop timing:
“Today was all about tyres. We didn’t have them working the right way with Carlos in Q2 or with Alex at the end of Q3.
“There is lots to learn and understand, but that won’t apply tomorrow.
“The main element now is working on how we move forward with the new two-stop regulations in the race and I’m confident the car is still quick.”
Main photo: Williams media gallery
