Sainz: Williams' struggles extend beyond car weight, require major upgrades

Carlos Sainz has warned that Williams's lack of competitiveness is a multi-faceted issue, stating the team needs significant performance upgrades beyond simply solving the FW48's well-documented weight problem. Despite having a class-leading Mercedes power unit, the car's fundamental lack of pace has left the team pointless and fighting to escape Q1 in the early stages of the 2025 season.

Why it matters:

Williams's dramatic step back from a promising 2024 campaign highlights the precarious nature of F1's competitive midfield. For Sainz, who joined the team with ambitions of leading a resurgence, the current situation threatens to derail a crucial season for both driver and constructor. The team's inability to build on last year's momentum raises questions about its development trajectory and ability to capitalize on new regulations in 2026.

The details:

• Sainz emphasized that merely reducing the car's weight, a known issue Williams is working to resolve, will not be sufficient to make the car competitive. He stated the car needs "big steps in performance" to show its true potential.
• The Spaniard confirmed the Mercedes power unit is not the problem, calling it "P1 in every session," which shifts the focus squarely to the chassis and aerodynamic performance of the FW48.
• The team's difficult start was compounded by missing the opening pre-season shakedown test, putting them on the back foot from the very beginning of the year.
• Results have been stark: a double Q1 elimination in both Sprint and Grand Prix qualifying in China, following a troubled Australian GP where Sainz managed limited running and finished 15th.

What's next:

The pressure is now on Williams's technical department to deliver meaningful upgrades. Sainz indicated he is focusing on "the little wins" while waiting for the car to improve, but made it clear the current package is not enough to compete for points. The team's promised development rate and its ability to "hold our promises" of a better year will be critically tested over the coming European races, determining whether they can salvage their season or remain mired at the back of the grid.