The Williams Racing team has seen a surge in momentum over the past few years, highlighted by Carlos Sainz’s recent podium finish at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, which has contributed to a growing “addictive” energy within the team.
That’s according to Alex Albon, whose experience at the Baku City Circuit was less successful due to a qualifying crash. However, he has been a key figure in the team’s rebuilding efforts based at Grove.
Carlos Sainz’s Podium Boosts Williams’ Spirits
Williams Racing has been striving to climb up the World Constructors’ Championship standings over recent years. Sainz’s podium finish at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix serves as validation of the team’s hard work and progress.
The team, which originated from a group established by Frank Williams in 1977, previously enjoyed significant success but has struggled since the early 2000s. A turnaround began with the investment from new owners Dorilton Capital in 2020, along with sponsorship from Atlassian, which bolstered their development budget. The hiring of James Vowles as team principal and the recruitment of seasoned drivers like Albon and Sainz have helped boost performance into 2025.
Team Culture Transformed
As the team prepares for the upcoming regulatory changes in 2026, currently sitting in a solid fifth place in the constructors’ standings feels like a victory itself. Sainz’s exciting podium at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, where he secured a third-place finish after starting from the front row, contributes to this success.
In a media session prior to the Singapore Grand Prix, Albon reflected on the impact of the podium, noting that while it didn’t dramatically shift the team’s motivation, it confirmed their potential. “The culture and energy are addictive,” he stated, emphasizing that the team was already incredibly motivated.
Albon expressed how the atmosphere within the team has changed from earlier periods of skepticism. He noted a shift toward a culture of confidence and a willingness to innovate, which he attributes primarily to Vowles and key individuals within the team. “There’s been a huge shift in terms of open-mindedness and a desire to excel,” he said.
Despite the optimism following the podium, Albon remains cautious about expectations for the Singapore Grand Prix due to the distinctive nature of the track compared to Baku. He acknowledged that while the recent performance was impressive, the unique challenges posed by Singapore warrant a more tempered outlook as they aim to continue scoring points.
