Carlos Sainz has disclosed that Williams’ upgraded Formula 1 package introduced at the Miami Grand Prix represents what should have been the team’s opening-race specification, highlighting the significant delays that hampered the Grove-based squad’s early-season preparations. The Spaniard secured ninth place at the Miami Grand Prix, leading teammate Alex Albon home in a crucial double-points finish that marked Williams’ first scoring weekend of 2024.
Speaking after the race, Sainz explained the upgrade’s significance: “We finally put on the upgrade of the car that was supposed to come to Race 1. Because of all the delays we had at the beginning of the season, now we finally put the car that was supposed to be the Race 1 package.” The Spanish driver emphasized that the improvements have elevated the FW46 to compete at midfield level, though he acknowledged substantial work remains ahead.
The Miami upgrade package primarily addressed the excess weight issues that plagued Williams throughout the season’s opening races, a direct consequence of manufacturing delays that disrupted their pre-season testing program. Sainz praised the team’s recent efforts, stating the upgrade demonstrates “when you do things right, things start to come away a bit better,” while noting they were the sixth-fastest team during the Miami weekend.
The double-points result enabled Williams to climb above Audi in the constructors’ championship standings, securing eighth position in the early-season battle. However, Sainz remains realistic about the team’s competitive position, pointing out that Alpine maintained a significant 20-second advantage during the race, illustrating the gap Williams must still bridge to challenge the established midfield runners consistently.