Stroll Admits Williams Situation Is Concerning

Williams driver Lance Stroll has admitted that there is cause to be concerned about the state of Williams, with the team looking more like a work in progress heading into the new season than a team that is ready to compete.

Williams was able to finish fifth in the constructors' championship last season, only behind the 'Big Three' and Force India. This year, the team massively underperformed at pre-season testing in Barcelona, and their opposing teams all showed off big improvement compared to last season. Williams, who will field their least experienced line-up in the history of the team, is expected to be the victim of all the mid-field teams making big improvements to push for the fourth place in the championship.

"There's definitely a reason for us to be concerned," Stroll said.

"It's no secret that everyone's looking really good this year, so it's going to be competitive out there."

"But we have to keep our composure and see out the weekend, then we'll know where we are."

"The new car's design is a bit more out there, so it's going to take a little longer to fully understand it."

The new Williams car - the FW41 - is expected to struggle in the early stages of the season, and then pick up after receiving a big upgrade package ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix in May.

Team owner Claire Williams accepts the situation but doesn't like the prospect of playing catch-up for a big part of the season.

"I think that's what we all see – that you miss those points at the start of the season and you really regret that later."

"You kind of think 'well, it's a long year so if we don't do necessarily very well in the first few races it doesn't matter'. It actually is crucial to do well from the off."