Formula 1, Sportrik Media - Alexander Albon has revealed the scale of the problems currently facing Williams after a difficult qualifying session for the Chinese Grand Prix 2026 in Shanghai. Both Albon and team-mate Carlos Sainz were eliminated in Q1, leaving the pair to start the race from the back of the grid.
The Grove-based team entered the 2026 season facing several technical challenges despite finishing fifth in the constructors’ standings last year. However, the early rounds of the new campaign have exposed weaknesses in the car’s performance, particularly when adapting to different circuit characteristics such as those presented by the Shanghai International Circuit.
According to Albon, one of the most significant issues affecting the Williams package is the car losing consistent contact with the track surface through certain corners. This behaviour has complicated the team’s ability to find a stable setup throughout the race weekend.
“There is some weird stuff going on in the car,” Albon told media including RacingNews365.
“We've done set-up changes and pit lane starts throughout the weekend. At the minute, nothing we do seems to fix the car. I thought this track would expose us normally, but this is a bit more than I would expect.”
Albon also pointed to a phenomenon known as “three-wheeling”, where the car effectively lifts one wheel off the surface through corners, reducing stability and overall grip. The issue has made it difficult for Williams to compete with midfield rivals, including the new entrant Cadillac.
“The biggest issue at the minute is three-wheeling, the car three-wheeling,” he explained.
In addition to balance concerns, the Williams car is also known to be running above the minimum weight limit set by the regulations. However, Albon stressed that the team cannot attribute its performance deficit solely to the weight disadvantage.
“We can't hide behind the weight, because at the end of the day there are other cars that are not on weight in the midfield,” he said.
“And the deficit we have to these teams is not just that. There are a lot of balance issues in the car. It's an accumulation of things.”
Williams now faces the challenge of addressing both aerodynamic balance and weight reduction as the season progresses. With the Formula 1 calendar continuing after the Chinese Grand Prix, the team is expected to accelerate development in an effort to regain competitiveness in the midfield battle.
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