Williams celebrates rare front-row qualifier in Baku, but team boss tempers expectations for Singapore
Carlos Sainz delivered a stunning front-row qualifying performance in Azerbaijan, giving Williams a much-needed boost. But the team’s principal James Vowles isn’t getting carried away just yet.
“We had about ten different items to get the tyres in a better window and it worked,” Vowles explained.
The Grove-based team knows they’re in for a tougher time as Formula 1 heads to Marina Bay’s tight corners next – a stark contrast to Baku’s high-speed straights that played to their car’s strengths.
Sainz’s impressive qualifying wasn’t just raw talent on display. It was careful execution.
“Carlos’ lap wasn’t magic – it was a good lap – but it showed we had the tyres in the right place.”
Singapore looks like a different story altogether.
“We were quick in Baku and we’ve been quick in Baku in the past. Singapore’s going to be a tough matter, I think that’s just the reality behind it,” Vowles admitted. “My prediction is we’re going to struggle there.”
The problem? Williams is still running an older high-downforce wing that won’t suit Marina Bay’s layout.
“It’s not going to be last, but we won’t be in the position we were here.”
Despite the caution, there’s plenty for Williams fans to be excited about. The team now holds a comfortable 29-point advantage over Racing Bulls in the battle for fifth place in the Constructors’ standings.
“At the beginning of the year we knew it would be tight in the midfield, but now we’ve built a bit of breathing room,” said Vowles.
Looking ahead, the team chief sees several opportunities on the horizon.
“Abu Dhabi I think would be very good, Vegas would be good for us, Brazil and Mexico would be very good for us as well. So there are a few still to come where we’ll have an opportunity.”
## Williams is on the rise
Sainz’s comments after scoring his first Williams podium seem to back up the team’s upward trajectory.
“A year ago when I put my bet on Williams, and I said I’m going to this team because I truly believe in this project, and I truly believe that this team is on the rise.”
For Vowles, the message is simple: Singapore will be a reality check, but don’t let that distract from the bigger picture. Williams is no longer fighting for scraps – they’re positioning themselves as midfield leaders with serious ambitions for the future.
With consistent points finishes now a realistic target whenever reliability holds, the once-struggling team is making real progress up the grid.
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