Williams vs. Haas: Who’s Hiding Their True Pace?

As F1’s midfield tightens, Williams and Haas eye each other warily. Who has the edge, and will Alpine join the fight?

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That’s what James Vowles, Williams’ team principal, believes. While his own team is seen as a potential dark horse this season, the Briton is convinced that Haas has been keeping its cards close and will surprise in certain races.

“I think, unfortunately, it’s too early to say. I mean, Haas was using all its fuel and probably all of Ferrari’s fuel, if I look at the slowest lap times. That’s race mode, not qualifying mode,” Vowles stated.

“Right now, what you see—and it’s a good thing—is that the difference in fuel weight and power deployment is far greater than the difference between teams. That’s a good thing.”

“It means the sport is getting closer and closer. But a cold, damp Bahrain won’t give you the real pecking order. Realistically, I think we’ll only see that in Melbourne.”

“I think the top four will remain the top four. There’s a big gap between them and the midfield. There’s a big gap between them and the midfield, so it’s going to be a fight.”

His driver, Alex Albon, shares Vowles’ view: “In the midfield, it’s hard to say because it feels like there are more differences in everyone’s race programs. You know, Haas is committing to its runs, and it’s hard to tell where they are, but you know they’ll be strong.”

Haas has indeed only focused on long runs and never seemed to push for a truly fast lap. However, Ayao Komatsu, the American team’s principal, is wary of Williams: “Williams looks quick. Alpine looks quick as well. I think we’re on the right path.”

“I don’t know exactly where we stand. I think we’re in the fight. It’s a mix. It’s very tight. At least, I believe we’re in the mix somewhere.”

According to the Japanese engineer, knowing the car’s full potential at this stage of the year wouldn’t have been useful: “Even if I know we’re fifth or eighth, what can I do before Australia? Nothing will change.”

“If we had planned new parts for Australia, we would bring them anyway. If not, it’s not like ‘oh damn, we’re P10, we need to bring something new.’ For me, it’s not that important.”

Esteban Ocon, now the team leader at Haas, also saw no point in chasing lap times: “Until we’re flat out in qualifying in Melbourne, we won’t know whether we’ll surprise others or not.”

“But what I do know is that we’re focusing on the right things. What I know is that we’re focusing on the right things. We’ve identified the car’s weaknesses, the strengths, and that’s what matters most to us.”

“So yes, of course, you’re always eager to see what the car can do against the others, but it’s not necessarily the right time to do it, and I agree with the team and the goals they’re trying to achieve here. There’s a time for everything—let’s call it that.”