Expectations were high for Williams in 2026, as James Vowles has been targeting this season as a game-changing year since 2024. Given how well the FW47 performed last season, that trajectory was expected to be followed.
Unfortunately, things have gone wrong for Williams ever since pre-season testing, with issues of weight and aerodynamics; both Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz have expressed their frustrations publicly on multiple occasions.
However, Vowles ramped up the stability of the team this week and signed both Albon and Sainz to extensions, confirming their places at Williams for 2027. This comes at a crucial time when rumors had only been heating up surrounding potential departures, particularly for the Spanish driver.
2027 is now ‘all or nothing’ for Williams
With Williams set to maintain their driver lineup for at least a third season in a row, it means that while the results have been tough this season, there is still some faith from Albon and Sainz that improvement will be possible in 2027.
Having one of the best lineups on the grid means pressure on the team to deliver a car that can compete, and that comes down to Vowles and other members of the technical staff. It will specifically come down to starting the FW49 with a solid base of a design.
A feasible goal for Williams in 2027 would be competing with the likes of Aston Martin and Racing Bulls as the midfield’s best team. Getting back to their 2025 level would be a massive success after what is currently a failure of a season.
2027 is all about keeping Sainz and Albon happy heading into 2028. If they lose confidence, losing both drivers would deter the Williams project and make a massive dent that would be a setback into the next set of regulations. Ultimately, it can easily lead to Vowles losing his job, as this is and always has been his project to lead.
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