Williams introduces major car upgrade ahead of Azerbaijan Grand Prix
3 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Sep 24, 2026, 7:30 AM
Last updated Sep 24, 2026
Williams is set to unveil a significant update package for its FW48 car at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Team principal James Vowles has indicated this may result in an "almost completely new" car design. Driver Alex Albon has referred to the update as a "big step," addressing prior performance issues including excess weight and handling quirks. However, teammate Carlos Sainz expressed skepticism, noting that the upgrades align more with where the team should have started the season rather than providing a transformative impact. The new upgrades include a lighter chassis, aerodynamic changes, and other enhancements aimed at improving performance in the 2027 development cycle.
- •Williams brings substantial updates to the FW48 for Baku this weekend.
- •Albon calls the upgrade a "big step" for the team’s performance.
- •Sainz suggests the updates should have been introduced earlier in the season.
- •Key changes include a new lightweight chassis and aerodynamic modifications.
- •Overall improvement is uncertain due to the competitive midfield.
- 7:30 AMAutosport — Will the "big swing" Williams F1 car upgrade be a hit or a miss?
- 7:28 AMYahoo Sports — Will the "big swing" Williams F1 car upgrade be a hit or a miss?
- 7:28 AMMotorsport.com — Will the "big swing" Williams F1 car upgrade be a hit or a miss?
"Williams is bringing a major update package to the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, one that team boss James Vowles promised earlier in the season would result in an "almost completely new" car. What remains to be seen, at this late stage, is how useful it will be – both in terms of immediate performance uplift and the direction of 2027 development. Alex Albon has described it as a "big step" but ...Keep reading
"Williams is bringing a major update package to the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, one that team boss James Vowles promised earlier in the season would result in an "almost completely new" car. What remains to be seen, at this late stage, is how useful it will be – both in terms of immediate performance uplift and the direction of 2027 development. Alex Albon has described it as a "big step" but ...Keep reading
"A new, lighter chassis promises a lot of "innovation" – but Carlos Sainz says this is where the car should have started the year
Sources
External links- AutosportSep 24, 2026, 7:30 AMWill the "big swing" Williams F1 car upgrade be a hit or a miss?
Williams is bringing a major update package to the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, one that team boss James Vowles promised earlier in the season would result in an "almost completely new" car. What remains to be seen, at this late stage, is how useful it will be – both in terms of immediate performance uplift and the direction of 2027 development. Alex Albon has described it as a "big step" but ...Keep reading
- Yahoo SportsSep 24, 2026, 7:28 AMWill the "big swing" Williams F1 car upgrade be a hit or a miss?
A new, lighter chassis promises a lot of "innovation" – but Carlos Sainz says this is where the car should have started the year
- Motorsport.comSep 24, 2026, 7:28 AMWill the "big swing" Williams F1 car upgrade be a hit or a miss?
Williams is bringing a major update package to the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, one that team boss James Vowles promised earlier in the season would result in an "almost completely new" car. What remains to be seen, at this late stage, is how useful it will be – both in terms of immediate performance uplift and the direction of 2027 development. Alex Albon has described it as a "big step" but ...Keep reading
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