P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Carlos Sainz has revealed that he could “smell” the problems Williams is now facing as early as the end of 2025, admitting the process has been “a shock” for him and the whole team.
Carlos Sainz has admitted that he sensed the problems Williams is facing back in 2025’s end, finding the process shocking for him and the team. Despite a successful 2025 season with a fifth-place finish, the new technical regulations for 2026, especially the weight of the FW48, have brought fresh challenges. Williams chose to skip the shakedown week in Barcelona to address the car’s weight issues before official testing in Bahrain. Sainz acknowledged the tough situation after the Japanese Grand Prix, recognizing the early signs of trouble back in December and January. He acknowledged the bump the team is facing is bigger than expected but remains optimistic about the car’s potential if the weight issue is resolved.
