Williams F1 team admits tough 2026 start, aims for 2027 comeback

Team principal James Vowles publicly acknowledged that Williams has endured a very difficult first half of the 2026 Formula 1 season. After the shift to the new chassis and power‑unit regulations, the Grove‑based squad is now one of the slowest on the grid, lagging behind rivals such as Aston Martin and newcomer Cadillac. Neither driver – former Ferrari champion Carlos Sainz nor Alex Albon – has scored points since the season began, and Sainz’s contract is set to expire at the end of the year.

Vowles said the winter testing exposed fundamental shortcomings and that short‑term fixes will not be enough. The team will concentrate on correcting basic issues, rebuilding the car’s foundations and delivering a competitive package for the 2027 season, with the next race in Baku seen only as a small step forward.