Claire Williams: Williams in 'safe hands' despite 2026 slump

Claire Williams has backed Williams' leadership to steady the ship, saying the team remains in "safe hands" under Dorilton Capital and James Vowles despite a painful 2026 season. The former deputy team principal admitted the slump would have surprised everyone at Grove.

Why it matters:

Williams sits ninth with just 12 points after 20 rounds, a sharp fall after recent progress. Vowles has repeatedly apologised to Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon over the radio for an uncompetitive car. For a team rebuilding under the cost cap, support from a former senior figure carries weight.

The details:

• Williams told RacingNews365 she has "complete faith" in Vowles, Dorilton and the management team, stressing that transforming an F1 team "is not the work of a moment."
• She said the cost-cap era has made the rebuild harder and that Williams are "still building," warning it may take longer than anyone would like.
• She praised the team's "great people" and "great drivers," insisting it will "all come good" eventually.
• Williams is now a brand ambassador for Fortescue Zero, the new Formula E works team born from Williams Advanced Engineering, ahead of Gen4's arrival with 600 kW Attack Mode power.

What's next:

Her comments ease talk of panic but do not remove the pressure on Vowles. Williams need visible progress before patience fades.