James Vowles announces: Following the progress made with the Miami upgrade, Williams plans to introduce further new developments in Canada
Williams arrived in Miami with a comprehensive update package—the result of intensive work during the five-week break. The Grove-based team left Florida not only with points on the board but also with noticeable momentum. But before the team arrives in Montreal, Team Principal James Vowles makes it clear: The development pipeline isn’t standing still.
The team principal listed the extensive modifications made to the car for the Miami International Autodrome: A new underbody, optimized body components, adjustments to the front wing, a revised rear suspension, improvements to exhaust blowing, and a minimal but noticeable weight reduction on the car.
After the team started the 2026 season with its back against the wall, these improvements provided the necessary relief.
Williams is working during the break
“We have more performance in the pipeline for Montreal,” confirms Vowles. “It’s another one of those special situations: we have these two or three weeks until the Grand Prix and want to make the best possible use of that time. What we can deliver 100 percent of that is still a bit up in the air, but it could be a decent chunk of performance.”
Williams currently sits eighth in the Constructors’ Championship with five points—just nine points behind Racing Bulls, Red Bull’s sister team.
“The reality, however, is that other teams like Mercedes, Audi, or perhaps Haas will likely be bringing upgrades at the same time,” he points out. “So the question is: Will what we bring be enough to make up ground against these three teams? That’s hard to predict at the moment.“
Williams still aims to shed weight
Vowles adds: ”I’m satisfied with what we have in the pipeline—both in terms of the weight-reduction program and the aerodynamic and dynamic developments. But it’s hard to estimate where that will place us in the standings.”
The team started the season with an overweight car—a deficit they are now gradually working through as further upgrades bear fruit.
