Carlos Sainz Discusses Williams' Bold Mid-Season Overhaul

Carlos Sainz, the Williams driver, has disclosed that the team is undergoing substantial changes during the 2026 season, a move not typically seen while the season is ongoing. Despite the discomfort these changes bring, Sainz explained that Williams is taking a strategic approach to address the shortcomings of their FW48 car now, hoping to establish a more robust platform for the 2027 season.

Williams entered the new regulations with high expectations after a promising 2025 season. However, with only 12 points on the board so far in 2026, the team finds itself languishing in ninth place in the Constructors' standings, ahead of only Aston Martin and Cadillac. The FW48, despite shedding weight to boost performance in Baku, has only managed to secure a single point since then.

When asked before the United States Grand Prix if the current chassis could compete for points, Sainz was candid. "No, it's not," he admitted. "It's a car that can reach Q2 with a strong lap in Q1, and from there, if others make mistakes, perhaps we can snag a point, like in Baku. But realistically, we're not in a position to score. The lightweight chassis has helped us reach Q2 three times since Baku, but once the race settles, finishing in the top 14 is a challenge."

Sainz confirmed that the focus for the remainder of the season is indeed on setting the stage for 2027. "We're undergoing some massive changes within the team, investing these last nine races to challenge ourselves with mid-season modifications," Sainz elaborated. "The leadership has decided to overhaul everything, even mid-season, which is unusual. It's uncomfortable because it feels like we're leaving performance on the table, but the goal is to resolve these issues with a car that's struggling to score, ensuring we're ready for next year."

Both Sainz and his teammate Alex Albon are committed to Williams for the 2027 campaign, as the team aims to climb back up the grid.

In related news, Sainz has expressed doubts about F1's season-ending races in the Middle East and has been vocal about FIA decisions in recent races.