Williams Formula 1 Team Guide 2026
Updated July 9, 2026
Team | Williams |
|---|---|
Base | Grove, United Kingdom |
Team Principal | James Vowles |
Drivers | Alex Albon, Carlos Sainz |
Engine | Mercedes |
Constructors' Championships | 9 |
Williams is one of the most historic constructors in Formula 1, with a legacy that includes multiple drivers’ and constructors’ championships. Founded by Sir Frank Williams in the 1970s, the team became one of the dominant forces in Formula 1 during the 1980s and 1990s.
Based in Grove in the United Kingdom, Williams has spent recent seasons rebuilding its competitiveness after a difficult period during the late 2010s. The team continues to invest in technical development as it works toward returning to the sharp end of the grid.
Williams enters the 2026 season focused on steady long term development. The team has strengthened its technical structure under team principal James Vowles and continues to improve its infrastructure and engineering processes. They will be hoping the change of direction they have taken since hiring Vowles will result in a return to prominence.
Williams focused on improving aerodynamic efficiency and straight line speed in the previous era of F1. The team’s cars have often performed well at circuits that reward top speed and low drag setups.
Development efforts have centered on improving overall balance through corners while maintaining the strong straight line performance that has helped the team compete at power sensitive tracks, but things got off to a rocky start this year as their 2026 car is reportedly significantly overweight. This could mean a big step back for the team.
Alex Albon has emerged as the team’s lead driver and has delivered several standout performances in recent seasons. His ability to maximize opportunities and defend positions has helped Williams secure valuable points over recent seasons, and he will be hoping for a competitive car in which he can prove how far he has come since being unceremoniously dumped by Red Bull in 2019.
Carlos Sainz joined Williams from Ferrari last season and impressed in the second half of 2025. The Spaniard is a smart racer and is consistently quick on race day, where his outstanding tire management is most impactful. His qualifying pace can lag somewhat behind the very best, however, and he was consistently outpaced over one lap by Charles Leclerc at Ferrari.
It has been a tough start to 2026 for Williams. Their overweight car looks uncompetitive, and both drivers were lapped by the leaders in Melbourne. They will be hoping the team can find ways for their car to shed weight as the season goes on, but early signs are not good for one of Formula 1's most decorated teams.
For betting markets, Williams drivers may offer value primarily in driver head to head markets against lower midfield teams rather than outright finish positions. The car has shown competitive straight line stability in some sessions, but overall performance remains inconsistent while the team continues refining its setup and reducing car weight.
