Williams Racing has initiated a thorough review aimed at avoiding the mistakes that marked the disastrous 2026 season. According to the team’s director, James Vowles, the British formation has taken several measures to ensure their performance improves next year.
Since the introduction of new technical regulations in Formula 1, Williams has experienced a complicated year. The team started the season with an FW48 that turned out to be excessively heavy and suffered a significant setback by missing the first pre-season test, the ‘shakedown’ in Barcelona. It was only at the end of September, during the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, that a new chassis was implemented, allowing the team to recover some of the lost time.
Currently, Williams occupies ninth place in the constructors’ championship, with only 12 points collected. The team, which qualified fifth a year ago, faces a significant challenge to reverse this trend. “I accept the mistakes we made last winter,” Vowles acknowledged in a recent interview.
Conscious of past mistakes, he has expressed confidence for the 2027 season. “I am convinced that we will avoid the disasters of last winter. The new chassis is here, which will make a significant difference,” Vowles assured.
Additionally, the team has introduced significant changes in their working systems and the software used. The arrival of Piers Thynne, a former McLaren member with years of experience, has been a key factor in the improvement of processes.
Vowles stated that, compared to the previous year, they now have critical information that will facilitate more accurate strategic decision-making. Nevertheless, the expectation of improvement will not be confirmed until they reach the first race of the next season.
The Azerbaijan Grand Prix has been a highlight for Williams this year, where Carlos Sainz achieved ninth place, one of the team’s best performances, marking an important point since the Monaco race.
Regarding the recent improvements, Vowles explained that the changes to the chassis will translate into greater efficiency next season, although aerodynamic improvement has been set aside to focus on solid foundations for 2027.
Written by FormulaRapidaAI
