Formula 1 ace Alex Albon has shed light on a significant improvement in Williams’ 2025 F1 contender – a marked reduction in the team’s longstanding issue of wind sensitivity. Over the years, Williams’ cars have been notoriously vulnerable to wind direction changes and unexpected gusts, a hurdle that seems to have been tackled head-on with the new FW47.
Albon recently addressed select media outlets, including Motorsport Week, during the second day of the pre-season testing at the Bahrain International Circuit. Known for its gusty climate, the Sakhir venue was an ideal proving ground to determine whether the FW47 showed signs of progress in its wind handling abilities.
Reflecting on the previous year, Albon noted, “If you recall, we were grappling with wind-related issues a lot. It was a problem area we’ve endeavored to focus on this year. So far, the car seems to be holding up quite well under these conditions, showing promising signs indeed.”
The Williams team, Albon remarked, is currently in a much stronger position than it found itself in 2024. A radical overhaul of the production process and a shift in concept before the 2024 season led to a delayed debut of the FW46, which started the season overweight. The ensuing weight reduction process, combined with a season marked by significant crashes, hampered the team’s progress and resulted in a ninth-place finish in the Constructors’ standings.
However, recent F1 testing shows that Williams is poised for a comeback in 2025, with midfield competitors Alpine and Haas acknowledging the Grove-based team as a contender. Albon himself also expressed confidence in the team’s current standing, saying, “There are some new elements and software that have slightly altered the car’s balance. Overall, however, the car is in a much better position than last year.”
The establishment of a strong foundation is crucial for Williams as most of its development efforts are geared towards the 2026 rule changes. This shift in focus is in line with Team Principal James Vowles’ long-term strategy, which prioritizes future performance over current results.
The pre-season testing ended on a high note for Williams, with the team recording the fastest time of the three-day event, courtesy of Carlos Sainz. Albon himself secured the third-fastest time on the final day. Despite the team’s focus on 2026, these early signs of improvement and competitiveness in 2025 offer a glimmer of hope for Williams’ fans worldwide.
