The 2026 season has been a tough test for Williams. After finishing fifth in last year's constructors' championship, the Grove-based team has slumped to the back of the field under the new technical regulations. The dramatic drop in performance led team boss James Vowles to admit there was a genuine fear of losing his two drivers, both of whom he believes are world champion material.
“I was concerned about losing both, because they are world championship material drivers that deserve the opportunity to be fighting for podiums or more, and we haven't delivered that,” Vowles told media, including Speedcafe. “If you look to the outside, I hope there's no doubt that we've been slowly stepping forward, with last being a blip, but a step in the right direction, so for us to move backwards isn't just a surprise to the drivers; it is a surprise to everyone, and that would always create a risk that you lose them.”
That fear has now subsided after both drivers signed contract extensions. Carlos Sainz, who joined from Ferrari at the start of 2025, scored two grand prix podiums in his first season, while Alex Albon has been central to the team's rebuild since returning to F1 in 2022. Vowles stressed that the response of both drivers to the team's struggles only strengthened his desire to keep them.
“What I'm thankful for is the moment when we had problems; they stood by our side,” Vowles said. “It wasn't finger-pointing; it was actually: 'Tell me what I can do,' and they both came into the factory and spoke to the whole organisation and gave them a lift. Carlos and Alex did the same; they re-signed, and they wanted to make sure that they were here with the team.”
Vowles added that the stability provided by the pair is crucial as Williams continues its wider transformation. “When you're going through what we're doing at the moment, which is large transformations, large swathes of big changes, the stability that Carlos and Alex provide is huge. Alex has obviously been there since '22. He wants this project to be successful, but having Carlos there by our side as we go through that is vitally important,” he explained.
The impact of the extensions has already been noticeable inside the factory. “There's a weight lifted off it this week as a result of [the re-signings], and I've seen them [the factory] move forward at a much faster pace as a result. So the belief is real and tangible,” Vowles said.
Vowles also praised Sainz for maintaining the same approach despite the team's struggles. “If I start with Carlos, he is immensely good. His attitude and approach doesn't change irrespective of whether he's fighting for 18th or a podium, and that's quite unique. He's just driven by constant performance improvements. Fundamentally, that is what you need to be driving yourselves forward with,” he added. Meanwhile, Albon provides perspective from his longer spell with the team. “They bring different aspects to it, but both are a strength,” Vowles concluded.
Baca Juga
James Vowles mengaku khawatir kehilangan Alex Albon dan Carlos Sainz setelah Williams terpuruk di 2026. Keduanya bertahan dan beri stabilitas.
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