Williams boss Vowles feared Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon would leave

Williams team principal James Vowles admits he feared losing both Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon amid the team’s struggles this season.

Both drivers committed to the Grove-based team earlier this week by signing new deals, ending speculation that their futures may lay elsewhere.

Sainz ended his debut season with the team in 2025 on a high with two podiums, hinting at Vowles’ desired progress, but 2026 has been a huge disappointment – Williams failed to make the first pre-season test and their car has been overweight and uncompetitive throughout the opening half of the campaign.

The Spaniard – a four-time race winner – in particular was linked with a move away for next season but said the longer-term plans meant he retained belief in the project.

“I was concerned about losing both drivers because they are world championship material drivers that deserve the opportunity to be fighting for podiums and more,” Vowles said.

“We haven’t delivered that. For us to move backwards isn’t just a surprise to the drivers, it was a surprise to everyone.

“That will always create risk that you lose them. But they believe in what the future looks like and that belief is incredibly important.”