James Vowles issues rallying cry for struggling Williams to show its ‘values’ during F1 break
It has been a hugely difficult start to F1 2026 for Williams.
Williams boss James Vowles says Formula 1’s unscheduled April break has been an opportunity for his team to show its “values” after a difficult start to the 2026 season.
The FW48 has been uncompetitive over the first three races, with excess weight among the main issues that Williams has been fighting.
Thus far the only score was a ninth place for Carlos Sainz in China, helped by problems for others. The team that finished last season in fifth place in the world championship currently lies ninth, ahead only of Cadillac and Aston Martin.
Vowles says the team has worked hard to make the most of the interval created by the loss of the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian races, which were cancelled due to the Iran War.
“The start of the season wasn’t what we wanted,” he wrote in a post on LinkedIn.
“One of the things it’s shown us is that how a team responds to challenges says more about them than how they handle the wins, podiums, and rise to the top.
“At Atlassian Williams F1 Team, we talk about accountability and resilience every day – if you walk through our factory or race bay, you’ll see them on the walls. This break is where those values have to show up in practice.”
Vowles noted that the team has taken the opportunity to tackle the weight issue, and he believes that the FW48 will show signs of progress at the next race in Miami.
“Over the last few weeks, we’ve come together as a team to go through the data, accelerate research and simulation, and refine our approach for the rest of the season,” he said.
“Our drivers are back in the simulator, and the crew are working on pit stop practice. On the development side, we’re pushing hard on all elements, most importantly the weight of the car.
“Every hour of this period has a purpose. Miami is the opportunity to show our next step forward.
“We know we’re not going to be the finished article – but we’re looking forward to making progress, and getting back to the track.”
Adam Cooper attended his first F1 race at Brands Hatch as a 10-year-old fan in 1976. He became a freelance journalist for Autosport magazine in 1985 while still at university, initially covering everything from club racing to the FIA World Sportscar Championship.
