Carlos Sainz Jr. voiced serious concerns regarding Williams’ recent technical decisions, indicating that the aggressive set-up changes implemented ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix may have had the opposite effect, slowing the car down instead of improving it. The Spanish driver hinted at a possible reversal to the previous configuration in hopes of reclaiming lost performance as the team prepares for the Hungarian Grand Prix.
Williams’ Upgrade Plans Backfire During Practice Sessions
Williams introduced multiple modifications to the FW47 in a bid to boost pace, but both Sainz and teammate Alex Albon found themselves unable to match earlier speed during practice. While Albon expressed cautious optimism about testing different setups, Sainz was blunt about the negative impact the changes had, admitting the team had “made ourselves slow” in pursuit of better performance. This situation places Williams under pressure to make urgent corrections before qualifying to maintain a chance at a top-10 finish.
Implications for Williams as Competition Intensifies in 2025
Sainz’s candid remarks have raised alarm bells within the Formula 1 community, prompting difficult questions about Williams’ technical strategy moving forward. With the 2025 season growing more competitive by the race, any further errors could threaten the team’s standing and prospects. The coming sessions will be critical as the team works overnight to address the shortcomings and attempt to restore competitiveness.
Looking Ahead: Can Williams Recover at the Hungarian Grand Prix?
All attention is now focused on Williams as they aim to rebound from this setback during upcoming sessions. Whether they can unlock better pace and challenge the leading teams remains uncertain, but the stakes are high. The Hungarian Grand Prix will serve as a key test of the team’s resilience and technical acumen under pressure.
“made ourselves slow” —Carlos Sainz Jr., Driver
