Williams were the only team missing from the shakedown in Barcelona. Delays in the development of the FW48 made it unrealistic for the stable to rush the car to Spain. Instead the team turned its attention — and its budget — toward upgrades for the start of the new season. During the first test week in Bahrain, where the British outfit logged heavy kilometres, Carlos Sainz outlined what the pre‑season has meant for Williams.
Over the first three test days in Bahrain Williams completed no fewer than 422 laps. With the exception of McLaren — which also reached 422 laps — that was the most mileage covered by any team. It underlines the British squad’s ambition to hit back after missing the shakedown in Barcelona. Carlos Sainz, who sounded cautiously optimistic about the FW48’s development, said this initial setback mainly exposed where Williams still needs to make progress.
‘I knew this would be the situation’
“I wouldn’t say my confidence has been damaged,” Sainz said, who linked up with Williams last year after his sacking at Ferrari. The Spaniard signed on with the promise that the team can, over time, fight for the championship again. “It’s more a recognition that there are several areas where we’re not operating at the right level yet,” he explained, “despite the fact we scored podiums last year and finished fifth in the championship. The way we approach our winters, the preparations we make and how we adapt to new regulations — that’s not yet comparable with the top teams.”
Sainz is well aware a team doesn’t reach the top in a single year. “We know there’s still massive room for improvement in many areas,” he stressed. “But when I joined Williams, I knew this would be the situation. I’m here to push the team forward on every front.” The Madrid native already proved in his debut year that he can be of real value. After a difficult start to the season he secured two podiums for Williams.
