Carlos Sainz insists he is investing even more of himself in Williams as the team begins a crucial development push at Silverstone. After a backwards step in 2026 so far, Williams has arrived at its home race with a new front wing and nose – the first stage of a broader upgrade plan that will continue through the summer and culminate with a bigger package at Baku.
“We know this upgrade isn’t going to be a game-changer, it won’t make us leaders of the midfield, but it will help us get back into the fight,” said Sainz.
He admitted Williams has slipped backwards.
“In the last two races we’ve clearly been ninth, a step behind Haas and two or three behind RB. We were almost lapped in Austria, which shows how far behind we are.
“The top of the midfield is a long way off and this wing should help us close the gap, but I’m not expecting miracles.”
Amid continuing speculation about his future beyond 2026, Sainz said his focus remains firmly on helping Williams improve.
“This morning I was in the simulator at 8 and arrived at the circuit at 12,” he revealed. “I spent two or three hours there trying to help the team understand the front wing and the energy.
“For that you need energy, personal energy, but also commitment to what you do.”
He added: “With my combination of experience and youth, I’m willing to sacrifice a lot of my free time to help the team and spend time at the factory, which is what it takes to develop a car and a team.
“We’re working very well together, very close, calling each other after every simulator session, trying to guide the team and steer it in the right direction.
“We do everything we can to help.”
Team boss James Vowles is also convinced the upgrade path will eventually restore Williams to the front of the midfield.
“We were able to fight for points in Miami, Montreal, Monaco, and I think we’ll soon see enormous progress in that area,” he said.
“Silverstone will be a small but important step, and there will be small details that are repeated in most races. As I already hinted, there will be a fairly significant change heading into Baku.”
Vowles also brushed aside suggestions that Sainz could already be looking elsewhere for 2027.
“I feel very comfortable with Alex and Carlos’s situation,” he insisted.
“Our job is to develop this car and prove to ourselves that we have the ability to make significant progress. That’s all.
“I’m very confident that the problems we had in the winter won’t happen again. That’s why I’m calm and reassured.
“Carlos and Alex are comfortable with their situation and want to join us on this journey.”
