Now or never for Carlos Sainz: drastic changes at the factory and the big news from Williams arrives in Baku

When Carlos Sainz decided to sign for Williams It was because he believed that it was the ideal project given the change of era that began in 2026 in F1. However, the Grove team is not meeting expectations in the first year with the new regulations and even fighting for points is being tremendously difficult. Without going any further, the man from Madrid has only been able to add six points all year, one more than Albon, when last season they were the reference in the middle zone.

It is clear that the objective is close to being achieved, but the British team hopes to be able to redirect the situation starting with the Azebaijan GP that takes place this weekend in Baku. Williams introduces all its new features in its FW48 to put an end to the problems and be able to end the year with a better taste in our mouths and have a solid foundation for the coming season.

The change on which all hope is based is the weight reduction, the great burden on the British car this season. It is estimated that now the FW48 is 30 kilos above the regulatory limit and with the new chassis it is expected to lower lap times by at least half a second. The excessive weight implies more problems with top speed and acceleration, even if they have a Mercedes engine. It also increases gasoline consumption and changes the car’s behavior when cornering. Therefore, it can change history a lot.

Another aspect in which they want to make a change is the work methodology in the factory to try to be more effective and faster when introducing improvements and not lose as much progress as has been lost over the course of the races this year. According to Motorport Italia, this process has been completely changed and Only seven design people and another 12 production people knew about this remodeling.

James Vowles and his team have a lot of work ahead of them and the new parts that arrive in Baku are now or never for Carlos Sainz if he wants to get something positive out of 2026. The FW48B has to be ‘born’ well to be able to be optimistic in the medium term with the Spaniard’s options.