Former driver Juan Pablo Montoya expects Williams to make a major breakthrough with their heavily updated chassis at the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix.
Williams have endured a miserable 2026 campaign, sitting ninth in the constructors’ standings on just 11 points. Carlos Sainz recently retired at the inaugural Spanish Grand Prix while Alex Albon trailed home in 15th.
Team principal James Vowles previously promised a B-spec car for the Baku street circuit. Discussing the upcoming update with motorsport.com broadcast reporters, Montoya predicted a “huge step” forward.
“I want to see what Williams brings,” Montoya added.
Drivers Downplay Baku Chassis Update
The current driving pairing remain far less optimistic about the impending modifications. Sainz discussed the revised FW48 with the F1i.com media team.
He cautioned the package is “nowhere near where we want to be and I think our biggest hope is putting all the eggs in next year’s basket.”
Albon echoed those subdued sentiments while speaking to the Motorsport Week outlet. He admitted he must constantly “under-drive” to manage the erratic handling.
The British-Thai racer stressed the factory is working hard to resolve the genetic flaws but dismissed hopes of an instant fix.
“If it’s cured by Baku? I doubt it. I think a lot of the Baku stuff has happened. That upgrade was planned quite a long time ago,” Albon confirmed.
Williams will evaluate the new package during Friday practice on the Baku city streets.
