F1 | Williams worried about Singapore as James Vowles admits FW47 weaknesses. Williams secured a podium with Carlos Sainz in Baku.

F1 | Williams worried about a problem for Singapore: difficult to repeat Baku performance

Formula 1 is preparing for the Singapore Grand Prix weekend, but Williams approaches the round with caution. Team principal James Vowles has outlined the difficulties the FW47 may face on the Marina Bay circuit, admitting that the characteristics of the track could expose some of the car’s main weaknesses.

The podium achieved by Carlos Sainz in Azerbaijan brought a long-awaited trophy back to Grove, ending a drought of more than four years. That third-place finish has also helped Williams strengthen its position in the constructors’ standings. With Racing Bulls showing signs of recovery in recent races, Williams has managed to stay 29 points clear and now sits firmly in fifth place, directly behind the top teams.

Vowles admits the challenge ahead

The next Formula 1 race will be in Singapore, a circuit that on paper does not seem favorable to Williams. The layout is not well-suited to the strengths of the FW47, which could struggle to fight in the competitive midfield.

“My prediction, which could obviously be completely wrong, is that we will struggle in Singapore. Running with a very powerful wing is not the best configuration for our car, as we know,” James Vowles explained. “And to be clear: we will be running with a wing that is already one year old. We have not invested in this level of downforce.”

While Singapore might prove difficult, James Vowles stressed that other circuits still look promising for the team. “We won’t be at the back, but we also won’t achieve a result like in Baku. I think Abu Dhabi will be very good. Las Vegas will be very good for us. I think Brazil and Mexico will also be very positive. So I think there are still some races on the calendar where we will have good chances.”

Another key factor will be whether Carlos Sainz has finally found the confidence he needs to consistently deliver top performances. His adaptation period with Williams seems to be nearing its end, and the Spaniard now has the opportunity to provide valuable results that could further strengthen the team’s momentum in the championship fight.