F1 legend Juan Pablo Montoya believes rival groups have to “watch out” with Williams in 2026.
Williams secured fifth place within the 2025 F1 Constructors’ Championship with Carlos Sainz’s second podium of the season.
Sainz continued his good type within the second half of the yr, ending third in Qatar forward of Kimi Antonelli and Lando Norris.
Regardless of halting the automotive’s growth early, Williams has maintained its benefit over the midfield within the constructors’ standings.
Sainz achieved his first podium with the group in Azerbaijan after which stepped as much as the rostrum in Qatar.
Beneath the management of James Vowles, Williams underwent a dramatic transformation.
Coach Baules insisted the group’s long-term focus is on 2026 and 2027, with a robust displaying in 2025 seen as a bonus.
Montoya has praised his former group and prompt Vowles is making an attempt to show Williams into a company to rival Mercedes, the place he was as soon as chief strategist throughout a interval of Mercedes dominance.
“As you’ll be able to see right here, he understood that it might take time. He understood and the group understood. They had been very excited to have him on the group and knew it might be a constructive,” Montoya mentioned after the Qatar Grand Prix.
“They’re open to altering something and dealing collectively. And the group, James, the way in which he builds the group are all on the identical stage as Mercedes.”
“All the things needs to be proper – the precise place, all the precise execution, every thing they do. If they’ve a aggressive automotive subsequent yr, they have to be cautious with Williams.”
Williams is ‘far-off’ from the title
Regardless of securing their finest championship end since 2017, Bolles acknowledges Williams remains to be removed from the final word aim.
Williams hasn’t tasted title success since Jacques Villeneuve within the Nineteen Nineties.
The final time they’d a automotive that might constantly problem for race wins was within the early 2000s.
“Mathematically it is over,” Volles mentioned after securing fifth place.
“This has actually exceeded our expectations and we hope to indicate the world the path we’re stepping into and our perception in the place we’re going because of issues.
“We’re nonetheless right here to win a championship. We’re removed from there, we nonetheless have a protracted approach to go. However a minimum of now the trouble we’re placing in is beginning to repay.”
Mercedes is predicted to provide a robust energy unit for 2026, which might assist Williams make one other leap ahead.
