Williams celebrates Baku podium. Photo: RacePictures.

Williams: Tough reality check after Baku high looms!

12:15, 25 Sep

byNorberto Mujica

Williams enjoyed a rare highlight in Baku with Carlos Sainz delivering a front-row qualifying performance, but team principal James Vowles has quickly brought expectations back down ahead of Singapore.

Carlos Sainz celebrates his first podium with Williams. Photo: RacePictures

At the beginning of the year we knew it would be tight in the midfield, but now we’ve built a bit of breathing room.

- James Vowles

The Grove-based outfit knows the transition from Azerbaijan’s high-speed straights to Marina Bay’s tight corners will expose the FW47’s weaknesses.

Vowles was clear that the breakthrough in Baku came from finally managing the tyres properly.

“We had about ten different items to get the tyres in a better window and it worked,” he explained.

“Carlos’ lap wasn’t magic – it was a good lap – but it showed we had the tyres in the right place.” That execution allowed Sainz to shine, but the team boss cautioned against reading too much into it.

Singapore, he admitted, is unlikely to be kind.

“We were quick in Baku and we’ve been quick in Baku in the past. Singapore’s going to be a tough matter, I think that’s just the reality behind it. My prediction is we’re going to struggle there,”

Vowles said, pointing to the fact that Williams is still running an older-spec high-downforce wing. “It’s not going to be last, but we won’t be in the position we were here.”

Even so, there are positives to draw on. Williams’ updates have delivered progress, and the team now holds a healthy 29-point advantage over Racing Bulls in the fight for fifth in the Constructors’ standings.

“At the beginning of the year we knew it would be tight in the midfield, but now we’ve built a bit of breathing room,” Vowles said.

Looking further down the calendar, the Briton is targeting stronger weekends at circuits that suit the FW47.

“Abu Dhabi I think would be very good, Vegas would be good for us, Brazil and Mexico would be very good for us as well. So there are a few still to come where we’ll have an opportunity.”

Williams is on the rise

Vowles' comments seem to back those of Sainz following his first Williams podium finish. "A year ago when I put my bet on Williams, and I said I’m going to this team because I truly believe in this project, and I truly believe that this team is on the rise."

For Vowles, the message is clear: Singapore will be a reality check, but the bigger picture shows a team on the rise. With consistent points finishes now a possibility whenever reliability holds, Williams are no longer fighting for scraps but positioning themselves as midfield leaders with one eye on the future.

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