Carlos Sainz says Williams is making encouraging progress in the simulator despite a challenging opening to the 2026 Formula 1 season, with the team targeting a step forward at next week’s Miami Grand Prix.
The Grove outfit has struggled in the early rounds, managing just two points — both scored by Sainz at the Chinese Grand Prix. Williams has been battling an overweight car among other technical issues as it adapts to the sport’s overhauled regulations introduced this year.
Speaking on the Williams Team Torque podcast with team-mate Alex Albon, Sainz revealed he had returned to the simulator immediately after the Japanese Grand Prix to help accelerate development work.
After Japan, I went straight back into the simulator to work because why not? We have a lot of work to do. So went straight back in. Actually, pretty pleased with the simulator correlation. I think you had a look, and the simulator is progressing nicely. That’s an important area of team development and investment over the last few years, and it’s starting to hopefully pay off.
Vowles Targets Miami Progress
Williams team principal James Vowles has set Miami as a key test of whether the team’s recent development push is translating into tangible performance gains. Writing on LinkedIn, Vowles outlined the intensive work undertaken during the current break in the schedule.
Over the last few weeks, we’ve come together as a team to go through the data, accelerate research and simulation, and refine our approach for the rest of the season. Our drivers are back in the simulator and the crew are working on pit stop practice. On the development side, we’re pushing hard on all elements, most importantly the weight of the car. Every hour of this period has a purpose.
The weight issue has been a persistent challenge for Williams under the 2026 technical regulations, which introduced a major chassis overhaul and new power units operating at approximately 50 per cent electrical output. Reducing mass is critical to improving lap time and tyre management.
Miami as Proving Ground
Vowles acknowledged that Williams will not arrive in Florida as the finished product, but expressed confidence that the team is moving in the right direction.
Miami is the opportunity to show our next step forward. We know we’re not going to be the finished article — but we’re looking forward to making progress, and getting back to the track.
Sainz joined Williams for 2026 after four seasons with Ferrari, where he partnered Charles Leclerc. The Spaniard’s experience and simulator work are seen as vital assets as Williams works to climb the order.
The Miami Grand Prix takes place from 1-3 May at Hard Rock Stadium, resuming the 2026 championship after a two-week break. Williams will be looking to convert its simulation gains into on-track results and begin building momentum ahead of the European leg of the season.