‘We’re going to need more if we want to fight’ – Sainz and Albon evaluate Williams’ Baku upgrades

Carlos Sainz recovered from a grid penalty in Baku to score for the first time in 10 rounds, but the Spaniard believes that Williams “need more” from their upgrades if they “want to fight for points regularly”.

The Grove-based outfit have struggled with an overweight car and additional performance issues for most of the 2026 season, leading to their decision to focus resources on a significant package introduced at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

It seemed to have an immediate impact as they enjoyed their first Q3 appearance of the year with Sainz, although he was later penalised with a five-place grid drop after failing to slow for yellow flags.

Aided by retirements for drivers further ahead, he improved from P14 to P10 to add a point to Williams’ tally, but was left with mixed feelings from the weekend as a whole.

“I think [it’s] what we deserved this weekend, to get a point for the team after the effort of the upgrade and a great Qualifying yesterday,” Sainz said. “Some good management there at the end for the last 10-15 laps, getting myself back into contention.

“I’m very disappointed after what happened yesterday, the way that was managed, the way that was handled. I was very depressed, let’s say, going into today. I managed to get a point for the team which was the target.

“[There’s] optimism in terms of I think the package is going to allow us to get back into positions where we can have some fun and fight with the others. The reality is that to get points, we’re still going to need each other’s help or some people’s help.

“I think the package is good to see, but after what I saw today, I think we’re going to need more if we want to fight for points regularly.”

For his team mate Alex Albon, the race in Baku was one to leave in the past – he locked up and crashed into the wall, triggering a Safety Car that ultimately led to restart chaos that eliminated multiple drivers.

Reflecting on the error, Albon explained: “Unusual crash, unusual place. I’ve not fully understood – maybe I braked a little later than the last lap, had a tailwind. We don’t like that corner as well, so we generally front-lock there. My fault, but it happens.”

He was nevertheless satisfied with the early performance of the upgrades, which included a new floor and adjustments to the rear of the car, but agreed with Sainz that further improvements should be made.

“We probably need a bit more aero in the car,” he said. “Actually, this car was not bad. This track suited us, our pace was actually quite good throughout the race. In the two medium speed corners of the track – Turn 1 and the last corner – we were slow, which is going to make the rest of the year difficult.”