‘Starting to pay off’: Sainz encouraged by positive step for Williams

While the start of the 2026 season has been a heavy lift for Williams – quite literally as it battles its overweight car – Carlos Sainz is gradually finding a reason to smile behind the scenes.

Despite a lackluster last time out in Japan , the Spaniard is diving headfirst into the digital trenches to help point the Grove-based outfit in the right direction.

Williams has spent the last few years pouring investment into its technical infrastructure, and according to Sainz, those efforts are finally starting to bear fruit in the virtual world.

During a recent appearance on the Williams Team Torque podcast alongside teammate Alex Albon, the four-time Grand Prix winner highlighted the impressive accuracy of the team's simulation tools.

"After Japan, I went straight back into the simulator to work because why not? We have a lot of work to do," Sainz shared. "So I went straight back in. Actually, pretty pleased with the simulator correlation."

The link between the virtual car and the one hitting the asphalt is the holy grail for modern F1 development. If the simulator says a wing change adds downforce, and the track data agrees, the path to performance becomes a whole lot clearer.

Now, Sainz is clearly seeing that alignment.

"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," he noted.

Eyes on Miami

The timing of this virtual breakthrough couldn't be better. With the Miami Grand Prix taking place next week, the atmosphere at the factory is one of focused determination.

Team principal James Vowles has been vocal about the team's "all-hands-on-deck" approach, emphasizing that every minute spent in research and simulation is a building block for the races ahead.

• Read also: Sainz flags return of old Williams demon in FW48

Vowles recently noted that the crew has been tirelessly refining their approach, with a massive focus on shedding the car’s excess weight.

While the car might not be the "finished article" by the time it reaches the Hard Rock Stadium, the progress in the simulator gives the team a solid baseline to fight with in the Florida heat.

With Sainz already proving he can squeeze points out of the current package, this virtual progress might just be the spark Williams needs to ignite its 2026 campaign!

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