Williams finds unexpected harmony as Albon and Sainz align perfectly on car feedback, helping drive 2025 performance and 2026 development.
Williams Team Principal James Vowles has confirmed that both Alex Albon and new recruit Carlos Sainz are racing with the same upgraded version of the team’s 2024 chassis—refreshed for 2025. The move, he says, is all about smart resource management.
“Both drivers are using the exact same package,” Vowles explained in a recent team video. “Same chassis, same front wings, same gearboxes. It’s all to the same spec.”
While the car is based on last year’s model, it has been carefully updated rather than redesigned from scratch—a deliberate strategy as the team eyes the major regulation changes coming in 2026.
“This approach lets us focus our energy and investments on the future,” Vowles said. “It’s not just about saving money—it’s about time. We’re working within the cost cap, and this gives us more freedom to prepare for 2026 properly.”
Albon, Sainz Speak One Language
Vowles also noted that Williams isn’t alone in this approach. Other teams, like Alpine, have adopted similar strategies by sticking close to their 2024 designs.
But what really stands out is the chemistry between Albon and Sainz. According to Vowles, the pair are remarkably in sync when it comes to what they want from the car.
“What’s fascinating about Alex and Carlos is how aligned they are in terms of feedback,” he said. “They both feel the car in a similar way, so we can fine-tune things like engine braking and differential settings across both cars much more efficiently.”
Even though there are still areas of the car that need work—especially to meet Sainz’s high standards—having two drivers who speak the same ‘driving language’ is a huge plus for development.
“Every driver is different,” Vowles added. “But in this case, Alex and Carlos are incredibly aligned in what they expect from the car. That gives us a clear path forward—not just for 2025, but as we build toward 2026.”
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Same Car – Same Vision: Sainz Joins Albon’s Path Same Car – Same Vision: Sainz Joins Albon’s Path
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