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The rough preseason for Williams seems to have taken a toll on both Carlos Sainz and Alexander Albon heading into the Australian Grand Prix.
Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon both knew that Williams would have to get a lot of things right in preseason to carry forward their momentum from late last season.
However, Williams had problems in developing their car for the 2026 season, throwing a massive spanner in the works for them.
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Sainz even admitted Williams’ complicated winter would hold the team back from finding success at the start of the season.
But perhaps he didn’t expect them to struggle as much as they have, as Ted Kravitz saw both Sainz and Albon look defeated even before the first race of the season.
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Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon reportedly appeared disappointed with Williams’ situation
When speaking on his Melbourne Podbook, Ted Kravitz briefly mentioned his experience interacting with both the Williams drivers.
Both Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon looked ‘down,’ with Kravitz even mentioning that Sainz told reporters how the situation at Williams isn’t what he expected at all.
“Maybe a quick mention for Williams, who aren’t having the best preseason. Both drivers seem pretty down to me.”
“Carlos Sainz was saying, ‘This wasn’t what I was thinking was going to happen when I put my eggs in the 2026 Williams basket.’ They’ve got a lot of work to do.”
This could be a worrying sign for Williams. If their drivers are openly looking dejected even before the first race, then things might be far more dire than the team had ever let on.
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Carlos Sainz and Alexander Albon must overcome difficult start to the season
All signs are pointing to Williams being at the bottom end of the constructors’ championship table at the end of the Australian Grand Prix.
Even Perez admitted that Williams have ground to make up this season in a previous interview. The concern right now is that these changes will be very expensive for Williams.
For now, the drivers have to do their best to mitigate the damage as much as possible and not create any new problems for the team.
That is easier said than done, but that is the task at hand for both Albon and Sainz this weekend, as they hold the fort down for Williams.
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