Williams could take a year to fix ‘expensive’ problem on Carlos Sainz’s car

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Williams could reportedly have to wait until 2027 to solve a major issue on their 2026 Formula 1 cars. 

Led by team principal James Vowles, Williams have endured a tough start to the 2026 F1 season. 

So far in 2026, Williams have only scored two points from three races and are ninth in the standings with Audi also on the same points.

Both Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon have been vocal about the FW48, with Williams said to be planning an upgrade that could gain 0.5 seconds per lap.

However, it has also been claimed that Williams may have to wait until 2027 to solve the car’s weight issues.

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Williams facing ‘long and expensive’ process to solve problem on FW48

According to Spanish news outlet Marca, Williams are facing a tough battle to trim down the FW48’s weight. 

It has been suggested that they are looking to trim the car down as much as possible for next month’s Miami Grand Prix.

There are also said to be planned upgrades for July’s British Grand Prix and more to come following the summer break.

However, it has been stated that Williams ‘may not’ achieve what they want to until 2027.

The report said that ‘paddock experts’ have spoken about the process being ‘long and expensive’, which will use up the team’s 2026 budget, which is said to be capped at $205 million.

In addition, the budget could be used to improve other areas as Williams look to improve all aspects of the FW48.

It has also been noted that Sainz’s car is believed to have the ‘most potential’ for improvements this year.

READ MORE: Alex Albon’s meetings with Red Bull owners could make him a contender to replace Max Verstappen

James Vowles says Williams have ‘aggressive’ plan to improve performance

Taking to social media following the Chinese Grand Prix, Vowles said: “In terms of Japan, we’ll come back stronger, and I’m confident as we then go through that break into Miami, there’s a lot more to come. 

“We know we’re not where we wanted to be today, there’s no doubt about that. But we have an aggressive plan to get us back to where the car really should be.”

After scoring two podium finishes during the 2025 season, Vowles will be under mounting pressure to turn the team’s fortunes around.

The five-week break between the Japanese Grand Prix and the Miami race will have come at a good time as Williams continue their search for more pace in the FW48.