Williams denies chassis disadvantage for Carlos Sainz amid early season F1 2025 struggles
Carlos Sainz's slow start to the 2025 F1 season triggered speculation he might be using outdated equipment at Williams. But the team has denied these claims, confirming that both Sainz and teammate Alex Albon are running the same updated FW47 chassis.
According to F1 journalist Chris Medland, who addressed the issue on X, some reports suggested Sainz was driving a rebuilt 2024 chassis due to budget limitations. However, Williams clarified that the FW47 is a modified version of last year's FW46 and that both drivers are using identical equipment. 'The monocoque for 2025 is modified from the FW46, but it is the same one,' the team said. They also confirmed the team has three chassis available, ensuring Sainz isn't limited to a single option.
The clarification comes amid Sainz's recent struggles on track. While Albon finished fifth in Australia and seventh in China, Sainz crashed out in Melbourne and only scored a single point in Shanghai, helped by three post-race disqualifications.
Speaking to media, Sainz described the shift in performance as one of the most puzzling of his career. 'I've been very quick in testing… but I don't know where all that pace has gone,' he said. He added that despite mirroring Albon's setup changes, the results did not translate on his side of the garage.
With ten days until the Japanese Grand Prix, Williams is focused on solving the setup puzzle to get Sainz back on pace.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Express Tribune
4 days ago
- Express Tribune
Trick Williams wins TNA Championship at WWE Background, making history
Trick Williams secured a historic victory at WWE NXT Battleground on 26th May 2025, becoming the first WWE-contracted star to win the TNA World Title. The former NXT Champion triumphed over Joe Hendry in a controversial match, marking a monumental moment in wrestling history. Williams, who had previously held the NXT title, defeated Hendry under contentious circumstances, but that didn't overshadow the significance of his achievement. After his victory, Williams celebrated in a unique fashion by mocking Hendry's iconic pose. A backstage video shared by WWE on X (formerly Twitter) showed Williams performing the famous turn and stance while holding the TNA World Title. He captioned the post with a confident 'Let's talk about it!' However, Hendry is unlikely to take his loss lightly. The match was filled with drama as Williams introduced the TNA Title into the ring, intending to strike Hendry with it. While Hendry was down, the referee intervened to prevent the use of the belt. In a twist, Hendry attempted a quick pinfall, but Williams kicked out. The former NXT Champion then slammed Hendry onto the title and secured the win with a running knee. Hendry's reaction remains to be seen, but fans can expect a fiery response, possibly on the next episode of NXT or Impact. The disgruntled champion may demand a rematch, accusing Williams and the referee of underhanded tactics in the title loss. As the wrestling world watches closely, the next chapter in this heated rivalry is sure to unfold.
Express Tribune
5 days ago
- Express Tribune
McLaren's Lando Norris wins Monaco Grand Prix
McLaren's Lando Norris celebrates after qualifying in pole position in the Formula One Australian Grand Prix Qualifying at Albert Park Grand Prix Circuit in Melbourne on March 15. PHOTO: REUTERS Lando Norris secured his second Formula One victory of the season at the Monaco Grand Prix, converting pole position into a commanding win at the iconic street circuit. The McLaren driver was followed by home favorite Charles Leclerc in second, while Norris's teammate Oscar Piastri completed the podium in third. For the first time in Monaco's history, all drivers were required to make two mandatory pit stops. This rule change introduced new strategic challenges, although its impact was somewhat lessened by team tactics that saw some drivers deliberately slow down to create gaps for their teammates to pit efficiently. The race began with Leclerc challenging Norris into the opening corner. Despite locking up his front tyres, Norris maintained his lead. Early drama unfolded when Gabriel Bortoleto crashed into the barrier, prompting a virtual safety car. Several drivers, including Yuki Tsunoda and Pierre Gasly, pitted during this period. However, Gasly later collided with Tsunoda, damaging his car but managing to return to the pits. During the first round of pit stops, teams employed strategic games. For instance, Isack Hadjar used his teammate Liam Lawson's deliberate slow pace to clear a gap, allowing Hadjar to complete both mandatory stops by lap 20. Similarly, Williams orchestrated position swaps between Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz to optimize their pit sequences. Despite some hiccups, such as Lewis Hamilton's slow stop, the top contenders remained largely unchanged after the first stops, with Verstappen last among them to pit and maintaining a strong position. As the race progressed, retirements and penalties influenced the order. Alonso retired with power unit issues, while George Russell received a drive-through penalty after overtaking off-track. Verstappen extended his stint but eventually dropped to fourth after his final stop, leaving Norris, Leclerc, and Piastri to battle for the podium. Hamilton finished fifth, ahead of rookie Hadjar, who achieved his best result to date. Esteban Ocon and Lawson also scored well, with Williams rounding out the top ten. Norris's win narrows the gap to championship leader Oscar Piastri to just three points, setting up an exciting title battle as the season moves to its next round in Spain.
Express Tribune
6 days ago
- Express Tribune
Eng beat Zim by an innings and 45 runs
England captain Ben Stokes took two wickets for no runs in 11 balls in a one-off Test against Zimbabwe at Trent Bridge. Photo: AFP England beat Zimbabwe by an innings and 45 runs in a one-off Test at Trent Bridge on Saturday. Off-spinner Shoaib Bashir took a Test-best 6-81 as Zimbabwe, following-on, were dismissed for 255 on the third day of four in what was the African nation's first Test in England in 22 years. England finally saw the back of Sean Williams after Zimbabwe threatened to bat through the third morning of a one-off Test without losing a wicket. Williams was on course to regain the record for the fastest Test century by a Zimbabwe batsman that he had lost to opener Brian Bennett earlier in this match when, 12 minutes before lunch, he was lbw sweeping at off-spinner Shoaib Bashir for an 88 made off just 82 balls including 16 fours. Together with obdurate opener Ben Curran he had shared a century stand that revived Zimbabwe, following on, from the depths of 7-2 in this four-day match — the African nation's first Test in England in 22 years. At lunch Zimbabwe were 141-3 in their second innings — still 159 runs behind England's imposing first-innings 565-6 declared that featured hundreds from the top three of Zak Crawley (124), Ben Duckett (140) and Ollie Pope (171). Curran -- dropped twice by England captain Ben Stokes and reprieved by a review when given out lbw on the field to Bashir -- was 36 not out off 96 balls, with just one four, as he dropped anchor. Zimbabwe resumed on 30-2 with Curran four not out and fellow left-handed batsman Williams 22 not out after the 21-year-old Bennett, who broke Williams' record with a 97-ball century in his side's first-innings 265, had fallen for just one second time around. England captain Ben Stokes brought himself on for Saturday's second over as the swing bowler looked to exploit the overcast conditions in Nottingham. But his opening ball saw all-rounder Stokes, playing his first match of the year in any form of cricket following hamstring surgery, drop a sharp return catch off a firm drive from Curran, then on 10. Stokes's fourth and fifth deliveries Saturday were both struck for four by Williams, a blazing cut followed by a thumping pull through midwicket. AFP
