Williams performance slump has sharpened former F1 driver Jolyon Palmer’s criticism of Carlos Sainz’s battle to lift the Grove outfit.
Stalled in the Pit
After the FW48 front‑wing upgrade fell flat at the British Grand Prix, Sainz voiced frustration and concern, revealing that the anticipated performance lift did not materialise.
Palmer, speaking on the F1 Nation podcast, dismissed the slump: “They’re underperforming. They have the winning power unit, but Alpine is suddenly front‑running while Williams lags.”
Contract Decisions and Rising Hopes
Sainz negotiated a new deal for 2024 amid offers from Alpine, Audi and other teams, as Lewis Hamilton announced his move to Ferrari from 2025. He chose Williams to pursue long‑term goals.
Palmer described the Spanish driver as “in demand, a race winner, and intensely smart” yet noted his efforts “just getting nowhere.”
Inside the Upgrade Loop
James Vowles once explained in Miami that the car’s paper fixes and weight reductions “will bring performance,” but that “we have to drop the parts in when the cost cap allows.”
When upgrades arrived, Williams still plodded, with “two drivers supposed to fight for points now languishing for whole weekends,” Palmer said, adding that Sainz and Lance Stroll were “miffed” by the lack of progress.
After nine rounds, Williams stands eighth in the constructors’ standings with 11 points.
Still, fans watch each meeting, hoping that a gleeful point or two could signal a slow but commendable climb toward midfield.
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