Vowles' message to Sainz and Williams fans: calm down, the Baku podium isn't that big of a deal
Carlos Sainz's third place at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix has provided a significant boost of motivation for Williams. However, James Vowles does not want this result to give a misleading impression.
There is no doubt that the first podium in more than four years (and even more considering that Russell's in Belgium 2021 was under unique circumstances) deserves to be celebrated. Even more so for Carlos Sainz and James Vowles, who achieved their first podium with Williams.
It is obvious that the podium was an unexpected reward, but it is also true that Williams had already shown its great speed on fast circuits like Baku. Moreover, the team's overall improvement is very evident, but that does not mean the team is already ready to become a regular in the top positions in 2026. And that is how James Vowles has expressed it.
"Trust the process, good things are coming"
Williams will not be a top team in 2026
The new regulations present a golden opportunity for teams aspiring to achieve what McLaren, Mercedes, Ferrari, and Red Bull currently accomplish. Williams knows this, and for that reason, it has sacrificed the development of this year's car to focus on the one for 2026.
However, James Vowles is very clear that the moment of truth for Williams will not come so soon. "I think I have always mentioned the positives and negatives of our path. I am sure that we, as Williams, will take a step forward every year from now on."
James Vowles addresses Williams fans
"It is important to know this. We are on the right track. We are investing properly. There is a but... We still have a long way to go, warns the director of the British team.
One podium does not make spring
The Baku podium represents achieving another goal in Williams' plan to return to the front positions. But James Vowles reminds that his team has only been able to achieve one in 17 Grands Prix. Meanwhile, McLaren has already accumulated 27, compared to eight for Mercedes and Red Bull, and five for Ferrari.
"It's a podium. The giants can get on the podium every week and win races," recalls the British engineer. "We have a long way to go before we can do that. And in one year, we won't fix everything we need to fix."
"But my request to you [fan] is to stay with us. I hope what everyone can see is that we are on the right journey. Trust the process, good things are coming. Stay by our side when it happens," concludes James Vowles.
Fotos: Williams Racing