Jul.7 (GMM) Carlos Sainz has cast doubt on Williams’ hopes that a major upgrade package later this season will reverse the team’s disappointing 2026 campaign.
Team boss James Vowles at Silverstone outlined an ambitious development plan, describing the car due to debut around the Azerbaijan GP as effectively a “B-spec” Williams.
“The best way to describe it is that it’s a B-spec car,” Vowles said.
“It has a new chassis and other accompanying parts.”
He said Williams will introduce smaller upgrades at Spa and Budapest before a larger package, including weight reduction, at Zandvoort.
“And, in fact, for Baku, we’ll have practically a completely new car.
“That will be a big improvement, without a doubt.”
Sainz, however, is unconvinced.
The Spaniard has repeatedly voiced concern about Williams’ lack of development this season amid continuing speculation about his long-term future.
“In Baku we should reach the minimum weight, but we’ve lost a lot of weight since the beginning of the season,” he said.
“We’ve also brought upgrade packages, but unfortunately right now nothing tells me that the Baku package should be a big step forward, because if everything we’ve brought so far isn’t a step forward, why should it be from Baku?”
Sainz believes Williams must first understand why its upgrades are failing before expecting a breakthrough.
“We first need to understand why what we’re bringing so far isn’t working before taking it to Baku.
“It will be a big step forward in terms of weight, but in terms of aerodynamics, which is ultimately what matters, we need to keep looking at it.”