F1, Williams in crisis again
Williams is experiencing a 2026 season well below the expectations raised after the encouraging progress of last F1 championship. The Grove team aimed to get closer more consistently to the top teams, but the results obtained so far tell a different story. Between competitiveness problems and missed opportunities, the Grove team struggles to find the continuity needed to relaunch itself in the World Championship.
Read more 1 August 1976: Niki Lauda’s accident at the Nürburgring
Williams’ difficulties stem from the delayed development of the car. The British team missed the important shakedown in Barcelona, starting the championship with an FW48 that needed a strong “diet”. Neither approaching the minimum weight nor introducing the first updates, however, improved the car’s performance, to the point that Carlos Sainz and Alexander Albon have made their voices heard with the technical department and are also looking around for 2027.
Steiner’s words
On the accused bench naturally goes team principal James Vowles. For Günther Steiner, former Haas team principal, the British is doing a poor job leading the team: “I think Aston Martin has a great chance to score points here and there and surpass them. I don’t think Williams will manage to score more points,” Steiner explained.
Read more Mercedes, caution on the future of the digital cockpit
“They promised us at the start of the season that they would become competitive again. Guess what? At the moment they are going backwards instead of forwards“.
The second part of the championship therefore represents a decisive step for Williams. The updates planned for Baku must provide concrete answers, not only to improve the position in the constructors’ standings but also to reassure two drivers who represent a guarantee for a mid-lower ranking team.
Read more Martin-Aprilia, World pact: “Rivola’s goal is to put me in a position to win”
