Williams Racing, once a dominant force in Formula 1, is charting a bold path back to glory. The Grove-based outfit’s ambition is clear: to provide new recruit Carlos Sainz with a race-winning car by the 2028 season. But the journey will be no walk in the park.
Landing Sainz, a proven F1 talent, after his Ferrari exit was a major coup. However, Williams boss James Vowles is under no illusion about the mountain the team must climb. With sweeping changes already underway, Vowles has set his sights on long-term success rather than quick fixes.
Sainz Joins Williams Amid Tumultuous Times
Carlos Sainz’s decision to sign with Williams for 2025 marked a significant milestone for the team. Despite interest from Alpine and Audi’s Sauber project, Sainz opted for Williams’ ambitious vision under Vowles’ leadership. The Spaniard’s arrival signals a new era for the team, but it comes during challenging times.
The 2024 season was a bitter pill for Williams, marred by an overweight car, developmental setbacks, and a lowly ninth-place finish in the Constructors’ Championship. But for Vowles, Sainz’s signing is a critical “step of about a thousand” in Williams’ journey back to competitiveness.
Rebuilding the Foundations
Vowles has taken charge of an extensive overhaul since his arrival in 2023, bringing in “close to 250” new hires and spearheading a renovation of the team’s facilities. The upcoming regulation changes in 2026 present an opportunity for Williams to reset and position itself among F1’s elite.
“It takes time in F1,” Vowles admitted. “You can shortcut some bits and bring faster performance, but without the right foundations, it will collapse. Getting it right is the key to sustained success.”
Can Williams Win by 2025?
Williams driver Alex Albon has expressed optimism about the team’s potential, suggesting victories could come as early as 2025. Vowles, however, remains cautious, pegging 2028 as the realistic timeline for genuine race-winning potential.
“Crikey, I didn’t realize Alex said that!” Vowles joked. “If you ask me, I’d say more like 2028. By then, I’d be a lot more confident about looking you in the eyes and saying, ‘Yes, we can win.’”
Vowles emphasized the importance of patience, noting that Williams’ ultimate goal is to create a team capable of sustained success rather than sporadic victories.
Sainz: A Key Piece of the Puzzle
Sainz’s arrival is not just a boost for Williams’ driver lineup but also a statement of intent. Vowles described the signing as a “pivotal decision” that underscores the team’s ambitions.
“Carlos is a huge asset, a brilliant driver, but just one step along the way,” Vowles said. “We’re not celebrating yet. I’ll celebrate when Williams is fighting for wins and championships.”
The Road to 2028
With regulation changes on the horizon and Sainz joining the fold, Williams is setting its sights high. While the 2025 season may still bring challenges, the groundwork being laid now could pave the way for a remarkable resurgence.
Can Williams deliver on its promise and return to the top of Formula 1? If Sainz’s commitment and Vowles’ vision are any indication, the storied team’s glory days may not be far off. The countdown to 2028 begins.
