Williams came into the Australian GP with encouragement after a good pre-season test in Bahrain. The data showed Williams was fast and at the top of a tightly packed midfield. However, it was only a testing session where teams might sandbag. The proof of the car is when it first hits the track in a race, and Williams delivered in Australia.
Both cars qualified inside the top ten in Australia meaning they had a good chance of scoring points for the rain-soaked rain day. It wasn’t to be as Carlos Sainz crashed behind the first safety car, but Alex Albon brought the car home in fifth place. It was a great start for Williams and team principal James Vowles was encouraged by the grand prix.
James Vowles believes Williams is quick in all conditions
Williams came into the opening weekend expecting to fight for the lower points with other midfield rivals. However, they were able to beat Ferrari in both qualifying and the race. This will be hugely encouraging for Vowles as they look to put the last few years behind them.
Vowles said: “I don’t think it’s Australia-specific. I mean, if I just summarise it, we were actually fast in Bahrain, testing completely different track, different surface. We were fast when it was 48°C on track on Friday, and fast in the wet. So, it’s probably a good mix of conditions where we’re OK.”
Points in Melbourne 💙
A great drive from Alex to bring the car home in P4 👏
An unfortunate start to the race for Carlos, but we’ll come back fighting next week 💪#DrivenByMyprotein pic.twitter.com/POZ9GHivsI
— Atlassian Williams Racing (@WilliamsRacing) March 16, 2025
Vowles is aware Ferrari is not his fight. The main aim is to beat the midfield competition. However, with a large haul of points in the opening weekend and main rivals Alpine failing to score, this could be a massive result come the end of the season.
What is Williams’ aim this season?
Williams is looking for progress this season as they look to fight toward the upper end of the midfield. Pre-season testing was a good indication they could achieve their target and the Australian GP showed they are quick. The arrival of race winner Carlos Sainz helped boost their chances of becoming the ‘best of the rest’.
Carlos Sainz’s Strategy Call Aided Alex Albon in Australia, Says Vowles
Taking ten points in Australia was a good result for the Oxfordshire-based team, especially as main rivals Alpine and Racing Bulls failed to score. This could be key for the constructors’ championship but Williams must remain grounded.
The former championship-winning team has generally gone well in Australia so there is a fear this could be a false dawn. The upcoming Chinese GP will show a better indication of where Williams is at. The circuit in Shanghai is completely different to Melbourne but if Williams can perform there, they will considered a threat to achieve P5 in the standings.
