Williams' new FW48 chassis for Miami could save 0.5 seconds per lap

Williams set for intensive April development push

Williams plan to use the unexpected five-week break in the 2026 Formula 1 calendar to address a fundamental weakness in the FW48: weight. The Grove-based team are targeting the introduction of a lighter chassis for Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz at the Miami Grand Prix on May 1–3.

A difficult start to the 2026 era

Williams entered the new regulations cycle having prioritised the rule changes early. However, the results have not reflected that ambition.

Sainz’s ninth-place finish in China stands as the team’s best result so far. In the constructors’ standings, Williams sit above only debutants Audi and Aston Martin — despite running what has been described as the dominant Mercedes engine package. Ralf Schumacher has labelled Williams his “biggest flop” of the 2026 season to date.

The weight problem holding Williams back

According to reports, the FW48 chassis is approximately 15–20kg overweight — a deficit considered the “only reason” behind the team’s underwhelming start. That excess mass is estimated to cost Albon and Sainz more than half a second per lap relative to their nearest rivals.

The impact has been stark. Williams have struggled repeatedly in qualifying, with both drivers frequently eliminated in Q1.

Sainz reached Q2 for the first time this season in Japan but ended the session as the slowest driver in the segment. Albon has progressed to Q2 only once — in Australia, where just 19 drivers set lap times in Q1.

In China, both Williams drivers exited in the opening segment of Sprint qualifying and Grand Prix qualifying alike, alongside the Aston Martin and Cadillac entries. In Japan, Haas driver Oliver Bearman’s difficult session, which left him 18th, enabled Sainz to narrowly advance to Q2.

The race pace picture has been equally concerning. Sainz has finished on the lead lap only once this season. In Japan, he crossed the line 15th, 65 seconds behind race winner Andrea Kimi Antonelli. Albon, meanwhile, effectively turned the race into what was described as a test session.

Miami upgrade vital as rivals push forward

Williams intend to implement what has been described as a ‘major’ weight-loss programme during April, with the aim of introducing a revised chassis in Miami. Hitting the ground running will be essential.

Rival teams are also expected to arrive at Hard Rock Stadium with upgrades, raising the stakes for a squad already fighting to avoid further Q1 exits and prolonged deficits on race day.

For Williams, Miami represents more than just another round on the calendar. It is a pivotal development milestone — and potentially the first real opportunity to determine whether their 2026 project can still be salvaged.