Williams to make a "huge step" with B-spec car in Baku

Williams’ Azerbaijan upgrade carries added pressure

Juan Pablo Montoya expects Williams to make a “huge step” at the upcoming Azerbaijan Grand Prix, where the team is set to introduce a major upgrade package after a difficult start to the 2026 campaign.

The Grove-based outfit endured another frustrating weekend at the inaugural Spanish Grand Prix at the Madring circuit. Carlos Sainz retired from his home race, while team-mate Alex Albon finished 15th. Williams therefore remains ninth in the constructors’ championship with 11 points, ahead only of Aston Martin and Cadillac.

The scale of the challenge was clear in the aftermath of the race. As part of the wider [Spanish Grand Prix weekend at Madring] (https://blog.f1livepulse.com/2026-spanish-grand-prix-saturday-recap-norris-madring-pole), Williams is now looking beyond its latest result and towards a package that could reset its competitive direction.

Montoya demands evidence of progress

Speaking on F1 TV’s post-race broadcast, Montoya said the next race would provide the first major indication of whether Williams’ development plan is delivering the expected gains.

“I want to see what Williams brings,” Montoya said. “I want to see how much of a step Williams really brings. They even told Carlos today, ‘Sorry for all this pain. Next year, we want to make you proud.’”

He added: “Their first big step in the right direction is the next race. So, we’ll see how much of a step in the right direction it is. I think it’s going to be a huge step, and they deserve it. It’s been a rough year for them.”

A new chassis and more than a performance test

Team principal James Vowles previously described the Baku package as a “B-spec” car. The upgrade is expected to include a new chassis alongside other components introduced at the same time, making it a substantial in-season change rather than a narrowly targeted update.

Vowles stressed that Williams’ objectives extend beyond immediate lap-time performance. The team also wants to prove that it can engineer and build a major package to the required quality during the season.

“We have to prove to ourselves that we have changed from where we were three years ago, and have that capability,” Vowles said. “And we’re on target to do it at the moment.”

Baku will consequently be a critical test of both Williams’ car and its internal development process.