Williams came away from the Miami GP with another points finish, but it was not without drama. A team orders situation saw Alex Albon overtake teammate Carlos Sainz despite earlier messaging to the Spaniard that they would hold position. Speaking ahead of the Imola GP in his print media session, Albon confirmed that the issue was quickly resolved and that the team is moving forward with stronger communication.
Williams boss James Vowles admitted that the team caused the confusion through miscommunication on the pit wall. He confirmed that Williams has already updated its messaging protocols to avoid the same thing happening again. Albon said the team resolved the issue quickly during the post-race debrief.
Albon, Sainz and Williams reset before F1 Imola GP
Heading into the Imola GP, Alex Albon said there was no tension between him and Carlos Sainz following the incident in Miami. The drivers spoke openly after the race during the team’s debrief.
“Even immediately after the race, with our post-race debrief, we just said how it was on both sides and what we heard. I think we just tidied up a lot of background work, communication and whatnot.”
He noted that Williams simply found themselves navigating a scenario they have not faced in years. Running consistently in the midfield brings new challenges, and the team is still refining its processes in real time.
“I think, in many ways, when we’re fighting up these new positions, it’s a bit of just a general understanding as a team where we want to be. We haven’t been in these positions for many, many years. So, all resolved and shouldn’t have these issues again.”
Carlos Sainz on the same page after review
Sainz reviewed the full radio transcripts back at the factory and came to the same conclusion.
“Well, obviously I wasn’t happy at the time and then I flew straight back to the factory in Grove. We had a meeting. We went through all the transcripts of the radios and the moment it was explained to me exactly what happened, I very quickly understood the same as the team, that was just miscommunication and misunderstandings across all the radio channels that were in place at the time.”
He added that the team is focused on tightening operations, especially when fighting teams at the front.
“We just need to do better in that sense and we’re just going to make sure it doesn’t happen again and we improve it as a team. I felt we all left Miami a bit disappointed in a way when we could have left Miami in the best possible mindset after beating Ferrari and Mercedes to quali and race day.”
Progress brings new challenges at Williams
Alex Albon sees the situation as a sign of progress. With both cars now regularly in the fight for points, the dynamics within the team are evolving.
“I see it as a good thing. It just shows that we’re growing. It’s good to have these conversations now and hopefully in the future when we’re fighting for even more serious positions, we’re going to be pretty well aligned.”
He also made it clear that the issue was not about anyone ignoring instructions. The rules have always been there, but clarity in delivery is what matters most during the race.
“There’s always been [rules of engagement]. But it was more just around the clarity of the situation more than anything else.”
Sainz echoed that message, saying part of his goal at Williams is to help improve how the team handles high-pressure moments.
“That’s what I came for. Williams also to improve these things this year just in case next year we have an even more competitive car.”
Looking ahead
Williams sit fifth in the Constructors’ standings after scoring points with both drivers in the last two races. They are heading into the F1 Imola GP with Albon and Sainz aiming to continue their run of points and strong form.
