Williams F1 launches B‑spec car amid development concerns

Carlos Sainz warned that Williams' progress has stalled, saying the team's updates at Silverstone failed to deliver any real gain. He noted that discrepancies between wind‑tunnel data and on‑track performance suggest deeper issues in the car's calculations and development process.

Team principal James Vowles acknowledged the fundamental flaws in the current FW48 chassis, citing excess weight and aerodynamic shortcomings. With only eight races left, Williams will run a "B‑spec" version of the FW48 at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, essentially a new chassis, to try to reach the midfield and improve morale. The team has scored eleven points this season, with a best finish of eighth in Canada, and hopes the redesign will finally allow weight targets to be met and performance to improve.

Both drivers and engineers recognize that prior updates have not moved the car forward, and the B‑spec effort represents a last‑ditch attempt to reverse a season of under‑performance.