Williams showed promise at the Azerbaijan GP with an upgraded FW48, reaching Q3 for the first time in 2026 and scoring a point via Carlos Sainz after a chaotic restart. The team introduced a new chassis, floor, and aerodynamic parts, improving long-run pace and unlocking midfield competitiveness against Haas, Racing Bulls, and Audi. However, Sainz started 14th due to a grid penalty, and Alex Albon crashed out late, triggering a safety car.

Team principal James Vowles acknowledged the point as a reward for effort but emphasized the need to understand the car’s first-stint weakness. Albon and Sainz agreed the upgrade was a healthy step forward, though not a surprise in pace. The result felt like half a missed opportunity, as Baku historically suits Williams, while upcoming races in Malaysia and Singapore will test downforce-heavy performance.

Albon attributed his crash to late braking and wind gusts, exposing a recurring front-wheel-lifting issue under braking. Williams now faces a triple-header with expectations of regression in Malaysia.