Williams’ Formula 1 operations have improved massively since bringing team principal James Vowles into the fold.
He has led them into a new era with upgrades to infrastructure, staff and their driver line-up. Williams is now geared toward success.
Carlos Sainz, who has been part of midfield success stories at McLaren and Ferrari, is just starting to get to grips with his new team.
Teammate Alex Albon has been one of the standout stars of the 2025 campaign so far, and sits seventh in the drivers’ championship. He’s firmly best of the rest.
Albon ignored Williams team orders at the recent Miami Grand Prix, overtaking Sainz after being told to stay behind.
Sainz admitted he ‘lost confidence’ in Williams after the matter, which didn’t please him at all. Paired with floor damage, it was a frustrating Sunday for the Spaniard.
READ MORE: Carlos Sainz has now led fundamental change behind the scenes at Williams after leapfrogging Ferrari at the Miami Grand Prix
Williams now face ‘tension’ between Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon after ignored orders at the Miami Grand Prix
Currently a comfortable fifth place in the constructors’ standings with nearly double the number of points of their next closest rivals (Haas), Williams are already in a good position.
However, friction within the team caused by their two drivers on track will not do them any good. Spanish journalist Antonio Lobato has revealed tension at the team after ignored orders in the Sunshine State.
“I’m also convinced that there was a meeting and there were words. I believe that James greatly appreciates what Carlos is doing,” he said.
“He has said it actively and passively, that is, Carlos’ contribution since he arrived at the team has been beastly. The problem is now that Carlos is stronger, that Carlos is already finishing his adaptation and that now he is competitive.
“As I said at the time that it seemed to me that the Williams line-up was one of the strongest, or at least one of the most homogenous, there was and that they could be very competitive, sparks start to fly and there’s tension with Albon too.
“It’s just something that is tense too and I understand because it’s going to be more difficult.”
READ MORE: Jenson Button tells Carlos Sainz how Williams driver has ‘changed’ after what he saw in Miami Grand Prix qualifying
What should Williams do with Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon after the Miami Grand Prix?
We’re just 25% of the way into Sainz’s first Formula 1 season with Williams and already there is drama. If they want to win soon, working as a team will be essential.
The Grove-based outfit cannot afford to head into the 2026 F1 regulations on rocky ground. Everything must be harmonious if everything is to come together for them to win.
Otherwise, they face unnecessarily losing points through their own squabbles, diverting the attention from their rivals.
There could be titles on the table in the near future, but annoying Sainz won’t be making him feel at home in his new gig.
If they want to get the best out of their partnership, they’re going to need to accommodate everyone.
