The Miami Grand Prix, the first race after the forced hiatus caused by the conflict in the Middle East, showcased the initial upgrades from several teams following a tough start under the new regulations.
For the U.S. event, the FIA, together with FOM and representatives from various teams, agreed on a set of small changes aimed at easing the adaptation process. After the race, the verdict was unanimous: there is still a long way to go, but these modifications represent a positive step in the right direction.
In Williams’ case, these changes were combined with their own factory work during the break, and the result was points for both drivers, Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon. Until then, after three races, the team’s tally was limited to a single point scored by the Spaniard. So, putting both cars in the points injected optimism for the future.
“Williams had more pace than the Audis, the Haas, and the RBs – cars that were half a second per lap faster than us in Suzuka. Now we were two or three tenths quicker, which means we’ve made a significant step forward,” Sainz explained after the Miami GP. For the Madrid native, “it’s time to stop criticizing the new regulations, but we must keep pushing for more changes in the right direction.”
**Improvements, Step by Step**
At Williams’ top management, there is confidence in the team’s revival. The next race, the Canadian Grand Prix, will offer another chance to progress. Team principal James Vowles confirmed that the team will have a new upgrade package in Montreal, followed by a “more significant step” at the Monaco GP (June 5-7). Later, there will be “small details,” and “after that, there will be an event every four races where something tangible will appear.”
Despite the steady improvements and a clear roadmap, the Grove-based team knows plenty of work remains. “We’re not foolish. We’re very far from where we want to be. Alpine is still a few tenths ahead of us at this stage, and the midfield battle is incredibly tight,” Vowles said in comments reported by ‘The Race’.
Looking ahead, although Vowles noted they are “on the right path,” he clarified that the results won’t materialize until the second half of the championship. “What pleases me is that this isn’t an isolated result like the one in Miami. There’s a work program covering almost every race until after the August break, which will bring us performance,” he concluded.
