Williams F1 heads to Shanghai with high ambitions—Albon aims to extend his strong form, while Sainz is determined to bounce back after Melbourne.
Williams F1 showcased the true potential of its FW47 in Melbourne, proving to be competitive in both dry and wet conditions.
Although only one car—Alex Albon’s—made it to the finish line, his impressive P5 result was a strong statement for the team. Now, the challenge is to carry that momentum into China, a more traditional circuit that will test the car’s adaptability.
Albon confident ahead of Shanghai
“Australia was a fantastic way to start the season with a great result for the team. Now, we need to keep pushing and pick up where we left off as we head into the Chinese Grand Prix this weekend,” Albon stated.
“This is the first Sprint weekend of the year, so we all need to be at our best and maximize our strengths. Scoring solid points early in the season is crucial, so we’ll keep fighting, learning, and, hopefully, building on our strong start.”
Sainz determined to bounce back
Carlos Sainz, on the other hand, had a frustrating start in Melbourne, where an aggressive gear shift on a slippery section of the track sent him into the barriers. It wasn’t the start he envisioned, but he’s eager to turn things around in Shanghai.
“Australia was a strong opener for the team, even though it was a tough race for me personally. We’ve taken lessons from Melbourne, and now the focus is on China—our first Sprint weekend of the season and a great opportunity to properly kick-start my year,” said Sainz.
“The Shanghai circuit is unique, featuring one of the longest straights of the season, which will be a new challenge for how our car performs on different track layouts. The Sprint format means we only get one practice session, which isn’t ideal at the start of the season. But with more chances to score points, that’s a huge motivation. I can’t wait to get back in the car!”
With Albon looking to build on his strong finish in Melbourne and Sainz eager to make up for lost ground, Williams F1 heads to China with high hopes. Can they deliver another standout performance? We’ll find out this weekend.

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Sainz Seeks Redemption, Albon Targets More Glory in Shanghai Sainz Seeks Redemption, Albon Targets More Glory in Shanghai