Williams boss was concerned Sainz and Albon might leave

Williams Formula One team boss James Vowles expressed concern that drivers Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz might leave the team before new contracts were signed. Vowles testified this sentiment during the Dutch Grand Prix, emphasizing the importance of the drivers' commitment as a vote of confidence in the team whose performance on track had significantly declined since they were world champions last season.

The team currently stands ninth among 11 teams with just 11 points, six of which were scored by Sainz and five by Albon. Vowles highlighted that the drivers demonstrated faith in the team's future despite the setbacks, which alleviated a significant burden on the team. Sainz, a four-time race winner, and Albon, having started 100 races with Williams, both signed extensions with the team.

Vowles assured the public that the team was on the right path, despite having earlier made incorrect assumptions about aerodynamic development. He acknowledged that the team was late to testing, overweight, and lacked downforce, factors that contributed to their underperformance. Vowles also revealed that he had brought on former McLaren chief operating officer Piers Thynne to streamline production processes, plan better, and modernize facilities, aiming for championship-level performance in the upcoming years.