Williams suffered a difficult end to the 2024 Formula 1 season after both Franco Colapinto and Alex Albon were caught up in numerous incidents on track.
The team suffered four big crashes in a row between the Brazilian and Las Vegas Grands Prix, when both Albon and Colapinto caused significant damage to their cars in qualifying leading to the former needing to withdraw from the race.
Things went from bad to worse when Colapinto crashed during the race, capping off a crash-ridden weekend for Williams that incurred them millions of pounds worth of damage.
Willliams mechanics admitted it was a mammoth task to get the cars ready on the run-up to the next race in Las Vegas, as they needed to make repairs while also borrowing parts from Mercedes.
Team principal James Vowles has explained the impact it will have on their 2025 preparations when discussing it on his Vowles Verdict podcast.
James Vowles explains impact of Franco Colapinto’s crashes on 2025 preparations
Colapinto was brought into Williams to replace Logan Sargeant, after the American caused too much damage and cost them points in the Constructors’ Championship.
Williams was initially on course to finish eighth ahead of Alpine, but a double podium for the team at the Sao Paulo GP and points finishes for Pierre Gasly in Qatar and Abu Dhabi propelled them to sixth.
Vowles explains that the crashes throughout the season have put a strain on their preparations for the 2025 season.
“The biggest impact on 2025 has been the amount of attrition, the amount of accidents we’ve had over these last Grands Prix,” said Vowles.
“We’ve been managing it as best as possible, it’s fair to say we haven’t been building new and trying to keep back stock so we can try to maximise opportunities for 2025.”
Carlos Sainz makes immediate impact at Williams
One upside to Williams 2025 season is that they have Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz coming onboard, having ran him in the post-season test.
Sainz posted the second fastest time which was only a tenth off former teammate Charles Leclerc, although the fuel loads and tyre compounds were unknown.
His arrival coincided with Williams signing Spanish bank Santander in a multi-year agreement from 2025, after they ended their partnership with Ferrari.
The deal with Ferrari is said to be worth around £47 million, with it likely being similar for Williams throughout their agreement. It could help them pay for crash damage, while also avoiding Vowles taking out an extra loan that would have put them over the cost cap.
