What do Williams have up their sleeves after major early‑year struggles?

Ahead of this weekend's British Grand prix, Williams team boss James Vowles spoke about the team’s progress, the development path of the FW48, and the performance of young driver Luke Browning, who returned to FP1 duties after missing out in Barcelona.

Luke Browning finally got his chance to drive the FW48 in an official session after his planned FP1 appearance in Barcelona was cancelled. Vowles praised the British rookie for delivering a composed and competitive performance on a deceptively tricky circuit.

“Yeah, I mean, it’s the first time he’s driven this car. This isn’t the easiest track. I know it looks sort of easy, but there’s quite some technique that goes into it.”

Despite the challenge, Browning’s pace was immediately encouraging: “So, to put in a lap that’s within a couple of tenths of Alex is a good effort.”

Vowles confirmed that Browning will continue to receive FP1 opportunities throughout the season: “He’s still got, across the remainder of the year, several more FP1 sessions. Let’s see how he progresses relative to it, but a positive start.”

Earlier this year, Williams struggled to escape Q1 and lacked the performance needed to fight for points. But since Miami, the team has made clear progress. Vowles reflected on the turnaround.

“From the beginning of the year, where we were struggling to get out of Q1, to, save Barcelona, which I don’t have a great experience with that track recently, but we’re there, able to fight for points at most Grand Prix weekends since then.”

He highlighted several recent races where Williams showed genuine competitiveness: “So, Miami, Montreal, Monaco, and I think you’ll see enormous progress resume on that one briefly.”

The team’s improvement comes amid a fiercely competitive midfield, something Vowles believes is good for the sport.

“I’m impressed by how competitive the field is now. If you go and look at the VCARB, the rate they’re developing, Audi, the rate they’re developing, it’s good to see we have a sport where you have strong entities that are moving forward.”

Williams’ target for the season is clear. “Our goal is simply, for the time being this year, to be ahead of all of that, and I think it’s realistic in the development rate we’ve got.”

And while many teams may slow their upgrade pace later in the year, Williams plans to keep pushing.

“But it will go past the summer break. I don’t think many people will be adding the amount of performance we’re planning to towards that period.”

Williams did not bring new parts to last weekend's Austrian Grand Prix, but Vowles confirmed that significant developments are on the way: “There are several things. Silverstone will be a nice little step.”

The Briton disclosed that smaller components will continue to arrive at most races, but the biggest change is scheduled for later in the season.

“There’ll be little bits that come to most races and, as I sort of alluded to beforehand, towards Baku time you’ll see quite a major change.”