Williams predicted to make a "significant progression" at the Azerbaijan GP with substantial enhancements.

Ex-Formula 1 racer Juan Pablo Montoya anticipates that Williams will make a "significant leap" at the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix, as the team from Grove is set to roll out a much-needed upgrade package.

Williams faced yet another challenging weekend during the inaugural Spanish Grand Prix at the Madrid circuit. Carlos Sainz's home event concluded with his retirement, while his teammate Alex Albon finished in 15th place.

This result compounds a tough 2026 season for Williams, which currently occupies ninth place in the constructors' standings with 11 points, narrowly ahead of Aston Martin and Cadillac.

"I'm eager to see what Williams delivers," Montoya remarked about the Azerbaijan Grand Prix during F1 TV's post-race show. "I want to gauge the extent of the progress they actually make. They even told Carlos today, 'Sorry for all this struggle. Next year, we aim to make you proud.'

"Their first major advancement in the right direction is the next race. So, we will find out how substantial this step is. I believe it's going to be a significant improvement, and they deserve it. It's been a tough year for them."

Team principal James Vowles previously characterized the upgrade package as a "B-spec" car for Baku.

Alexander Albon, Williams, Carlos Sainz, Williams

"The best way to describe it is that it's a B-spec car," he explained in July. "It's a new chassis along with other components that will be introduced simultaneously. That indeed represents a substantial upgrade."

He further mentioned that the team's aim is not only to enhance performance through the upgrades but also to utilize the package as a means to evaluate their systems and processes.

"Regarding our trajectory, we must – as a business – demonstrate to ourselves that we can engineer to the right quality standard and construct a car of the appropriate quality during the season – essentially the equivalent of flying the plane while rebuilding it at the same time.

"We need to validate that we have progressed from where we were three years ago and possess that capability. And we are currently on track to achieve this."

Share Or Save This Story