Carlos Sainz Jr. has openly criticized Williams’ recent aggressive set-up changes, suggesting that these alterations have unfortunately slowed the team down rather than improving their pace. Ahead of the Hungarian Grand Prix, the Spanish driver expressed doubts about the effectiveness of the new setup, hinting that reverting to their previous configuration might help restore competitiveness.
Williams had introduced a range of updates to their FW47 model during the Belgian Grand Prix weekend, aiming to boost performance. Despite this push for progress, both Sainz and his teammate Alex Albon struggled to match their earlier speed during practice sessions, revealing that the changes may not have delivered the desired results.
Williams’ Performance Challenges and Team Reactions
While Alex Albon maintained a positive outlook, framing the situation as a chance to experiment with different configurations, Sainz took a more critical stance. He admitted the team “made ourselves slow” in their quest for greater speed, highlighting the unintended consequences of their setup decisions. With qualifying approaching, Williams faces mounting pressure to fix these issues quickly in order to secure a position among the top 10 qualifiers.
Sainz’s candid remarks have sparked concern across the Formula 1 paddock, as doubts arise over Williams’ strategic direction amid a competitive 2025 season. The team has little margin for error if they want to remain relevant and challenge the leading packs as the season progresses.
Outlook for Williams at the Hungarian Grand Prix
As Williams works overnight to address these setbacks, attention will be focused on whether the team can rebound during the next practice and qualifying rounds. The critical question remains whether Williams can regain their speed and challenge the frontrunners, or if these struggles signify deeper issues that could hinder the team’s progress.
The unfolding situation at the Hungarian Grand Prix will be a key indicator of Williams’ ability to recover and compete at a high level. Fans and critics alike will be watching closely to see if the team can reverse their fortunes and recapture their potential this season.