One year ago, Williams struggled. Now, Albon’s top-five finish in Melbourne proves the team’s remarkable turnaround. Shanghai awaits, momentum is building.
James Vowles, Williams F1’s team principal, is still in disbelief over Alex Albon’s incredible P5 finish in Melbourne.
The Thai driver originally crossed the line in fifth place but was briefly promoted to P4 after Kimi Antonelli received a five-second penalty. However, following an appeal from Mercedes, the FIA later overturned the decision.
Despite the reshuffling, Williams still walked away with a crucial 10 points.
“What an amazing feeling! When you think back to where we were 12 months ago, the difference is massive!” Vowles shared.
“Hats off to Alex—he drove a rock-solid race from start to finish, defending flawlessly against top-tier competitors and making no mistakes at all.”
The Early Blow: Sainz’s Costly Spin
The only downside? Losing Carlos Sainz at the very start of the race.
“For Carlos, the conditions were tricky. We noticed that shifting up at a particular point on a low-grip section triggered a sudden power and torque spike, causing the car to spin. We need to analyze that closely.”
Still, Vowles remains optimistic.
“What really matters is that both our cars had the potential to score points. That’s a huge step forward for us.”
“I’m immensely proud of this team, and I can’t wait to get to Shanghai in a few days. We’ve got a lot more to accomplish this season.”
Sainz’s Unexpected Role: The Strategist
After his early exit, Sainz didn’t just sit back—he stepped up. The Spaniard played a key role in Williams’ pit strategy, something Vowles truly appreciated. His input helped Albon time his pit stop perfectly.
“No result is ever down to just one person—it’s always about the team. The pit stops were spot on, the strategy was well executed… but there was one extra strategist today: Carlos. His expertise was invaluable in the switch to intermediates.”
“While other teams were hesitating—‘Can we hold on a little longer?’—Carlos was adamant: ‘We won’t survive on slicks in the final corners.’ He was absolutely right and helped us secure this result with Alex.”
Leadership Driving Williams Forward
“Alex and Carlos are true leaders, constantly pushing our team forward. We’re all here to get the best results possible for Williams.”
With their rapid progress and a strong team spirit, Williams F1 is proving they’re back in the fight. Shanghai is next—and they’re ready for more.
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Williams’ Stunning Comeback: From Struggles to Top 5 Williams’ Stunning Comeback: From Struggles to Top 5
