Williams F1 struggles with overweight 2026 car as drivers push for long‑term revival

Williams' 2026 Formula 1 car has been criticised by drivers for being overweight and far below performance expectations. Carlos Sainz said the FW48 is "not good enough" and highlighted the team's failures in many areas, noting the car is currently the ninth‑fastest on the grid and trailing Alpine despite both being Mercedes customer teams. He cited the budget‑cap constraints that limit weight‑reduction options and said the poor start has forced a deep internal review.

Alex Albon, however, voiced support for team principal James Vowles' plan to keep Williams competitive through 2030. Albon acknowledged the current setbacks but called the long‑term target realistic, pointing to the team's eighth‑place position in the Constructors' Championship with seven points after five races, ahead of Audi, Cadillac and Aston Martin. He also marked his 95th Grand Prix for Williams, equalling Nigel Mansell's record, and reaffirmed his commitment to the team’s future development.