James Vowles outlines phased approach for Williams’ Baku upgrades

Yahoo Sports1 min read • Latest: Jul 30, 2026, 3:11 PM

Last updated Jul 30, 2026

James Vowles outlines phased approach for Williams’ Baku upgrades
Summary

Williams Racing Team Principal James Vowles has set expectations for the upcoming upgrades at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, confirming that a single upgrade package will not resolve the team's ongoing performance issues. Vowles noted that Williams' car, the FW48, is still compromised due to previous design setbacks and that improvements will be phased in over time rather than delivered all at once. He stated the team is working on a significant B-spec upgrade to be rolled out after the August break, starting with smaller changes at Silverstone and Spa. Recent comments from drivers Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon expressed doubts regarding the effectiveness of the Baku upgrades, with Albon yearning for more extensive enhancements seen in other teams.

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By the Numbers
  • Vowles emphasizes gradual upgrades are necessary for competitiveness.
  • Williams' FW48 has struggled due to an overweight chassis.
  • Upgrades to debut after the August break, with some parts arriving sooner.
  • Drivers Sainz and Albon have expressed skepticism about upgrade effectiveness.
  • Team has nine races left to validate performance improvements.
Latest Updates
  • 3:11 PMYahoo SportsJames Vowles Tempers Expectations for Williams’ Baku Upgrades: “It Won’t Be In One Go”
What they're saying
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When a Formula 1 team finds itself on the back foot, the mid-season upgrade package often becomes a mythical beacon of hope. For Williams Racing, that beacon is currently the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku. But despite the massive hype…

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