Juan Pablo Montoya expects a massive step forward for Williams at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix – the new B-Spec car is set to turn things around
Former Formula 1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya expects a “huge step” forward for Williams at the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix, as the Grove-based team is on the verge of introducing a much-needed update package.
Williams endured yet another disastrous weekend at the inaugural Spanish Grand Prix on the Madrid circuit: Carlos Sainz’s home race ended in retirement, whilst team-mate Alexander Albon crossed the finish line in 15th place.
This result fits seamlessly into what has already been a difficult 2026 season for Williams: With a meagre eleven points, the historic team currently sits in ninth place in the Constructors’ Championship, ahead of only Aston Martin and newcomers Cadillac.
Montoya curious about the upgrade
“I want to see what Williams has to offer,” Montoya said, looking ahead to the Baku Grand Prix in F1 TV’s post-race coverage. “I want to see how big a step Williams actually takes. They even said to Carlos today: ‘Sorry for all the pain. Next year, we want to make you proud.’”
“Their first big step in the right direction is the next race. So we’ll see just how big that step actually turns out to be. I think it’ll be a huge step – and they deserve it. It’s been a tough year for them.”
Team principal James Vowles had previously described the upcoming development package for Baku as the car’s “B-spec”.
A new car?
“The best way to describe it is: It’s a B-spec car,” he noted back in July. “It’s a new chassis, along with other components that are coming at the same time. It’ll be a major upgrade, that’s for sure.”
Vowles emphasised, however, that the team’s focus was not solely on the hoped-for performance gain from the new parts. Rather, the package also serves as a litmus test for the internal systems and workflows at Grove:
“As far as our development direction is concerned, we have to prove to ourselves as a company that we can deliver engineering work to the required standard and build a car of the necessary quality during the season – which is practically the equivalent of trying to refit an aeroplane whilst it’s in flight.”
“We need to prove to ourselves that we have changed compared to where we were three years ago and that we possess these capabilities. And at the moment, we are right on track.”