James Vowles has highlighted the main problem faced by Williams during the current 2025 Formula 1 season that could prove useful for their car development in 2026.
The British team finished the Hungarian Grand Prix well outside the points-paying positions, closing a period in which their results have declined compared to the strong start of the season. According to a detailed analysis by James Vowles, the team’s principal and strategic leader, Williams is working to address the weaknesses of the current FW47 car in order to optimize the design and performance of their 2026 car, especially with the introduction of the new technical regulations in Formula 1.
Williams currently holds fifth place in the Constructors’ Championship standings, but the threats from competitors Aston Martin and Sauber are growing increasingly dangerous. In the second half of the season, the characteristics of the circuits will be crucial since most of the cars on the grid will remain largely unchanged. No team is expected to make significant development investments during 2025, given the important regulatory transition scheduled for next year.
The major issue for Williams
The key focus for Williams in preparation for the 2026 Formula 1 season revolves around the biggest problem identified in recent races. The FW47 struggles significantly on corners where lateral G-forces are prolonged. This issue has been well known within the team for some time, but there is no intention to fix it during the second half of the current season.
James Vowles, the Williams Team Principal, pointed out that there will be circuits like Monza and Baku where the car will perform better, whereas the Qatar Grand Prix has been identified as a particularly challenging track. The main objective will be to make the best use of the available package in order to maximize results. The strategists and drivers will play an important role in trying to deliver the best possible outcome at every race weekend.
The team has consistently expressed its intention to focus on the 2026 season, and the decision regarding these current car issues confirms this strategy. The engineers are already hard at work and fully aware of the areas that need improvement. With Mercedes power units supplying the team, Williams could make a significant step forward next year if the current upward trend in performance continues.
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