Sainz pins Williams' hopes on 2027 car after tough F1 2026

Carlos Sainz has admitted that Williams' "biggest hope" now rests with the 2027 car, as the team endures a difficult first season under Formula 1's new regulations. The Spaniard concedes that an upcoming upgrade for Baku will help in the fight for points, but it won't deliver the progress Williams originally targeted from the 2026 rules overhaul.

Why it matters:

Williams entered the new era hoping to close the gap to the traditional frontrunners. Instead, the team has slipped down the pecking order, scoring just 11 points so far. With the season past its halfway mark, the focus is shifting toward 2027, a pivotal decision for a team desperate to return to competitiveness.

The details:

• Williams has struggled for performance all season, with only 11 points on the board.
• Sainz said the Baku upgrade "will definitely help us get closer to potentially fighting for some points," but admitted it is "nowhere near where we wanted to be this year, nowhere near what we promised."
• The former Ferrari driver stressed that the team's primary focus should now be on the 2027 challenger, calling it "our biggest hope."
• "I think our biggest hope is putting all the eggs in next year's basket," Sainz added, making clear where Williams' priorities lie.
• Short-term boost: Sainz expects the upgrade to lift team morale and provide something to look forward to, but he is realistic about its impact.

What's next:

Williams will introduce the upgrade at Baku, hoping for a minor step forward. But the real target is the 2027 car, where the team is placing all its hopes for a significant leap up the order. Whether that gamble pays off will define Williams' trajectory in this regulation cycle.