Struggling Williams F1 Team “Forced to Compromise” on Car Balance, Reveals Alex Albon Ahead of Bahrain Grand Prix
The Williams F1 team is facing a tough challenge as driver Alex Albon admits they are being “forced to compromise” on their car’s balance ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix. Despite showing promise in the early races of the season and establishing themselves as a strong midfield contender, Albon acknowledges that there is still untapped potential in the FW47, hindered by the car’s limited operating window.
Albon highlighted the specific issue affecting their performance, noting that the team constantly grapples with finding the right balance on different sections of the track. He explained, “To be quick with this car, it needs a certain setup, and it’s not always the most comfortable setup. We’re just struggling with balance in a few corners, but to fix those corners means we normally have to compromise the rest of the lap.”
The driver emphasized the trade-offs they have to make from one race weekend to another, with some tracks suiting their setup better than others. Despite the challenges, Albon remains optimistic about the progress the team has made, especially with the addition of Carlos Sainz for the 2025 season, which has contributed to significant improvements over their 2024 performance.
According to team principal James Vowles, the team has focused on making “low-hanging fruit” developments to enhance both the car and infrastructure, leading to a noticeable leap in performance, as seen in the recent Japanese Grand Prix. Albon cited Japan as an example where they struggled in certain corners but were competitive in other parts of the track, showcasing the ongoing battle to find the right balance.
The collaboration with Sainz has been beneficial for Williams, with Albon acknowledging the positive impact of leveraging Sainz’s experience from his time at Ferrari. While the team has made significant strides compared to the previous year, Albon admits that there are still challenges to overcome, albeit on a reduced scale.
As Williams continues to fine-tune their car setup and strive for better performance, the Bahrain Grand Prix presents another opportunity for the team to showcase their progress and competitiveness on the track. Stay tuned for more updates on Williams F1’s journey in the Formula 1 championship.