Former Formula 1 driver David Coulthard described Williams’ 2026 season as a “lost year” after the British team’s disappointing start. After 11 rounds, the team has yet to replicate the performance that earned them fifth place in the constructors’ championship last year.
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The start of the championship was complicated from the preseason. Williams missed the shakedown in Barcelona and was the only team not to participate in the activity. Delays prevented the car from being ready on time and, when it finally hit the track, it was overweight and underperformed.
Coulthard, who has driven for Williams as a driver, said the team is unlikely to match the 2025 result: “This year will be somewhat of a lost year in that regard. They won’t reach fifth place unless they launch some incredible upgrade, which, considering we are in the summer break, I’m not sure they will,” Coulthard said on the Up to Speed podcast.
The former driver also explained that part of the problems occurred due to delays in information provided by external partners. “Yes, look, they made mistakes. But the mitigating circumstance, as we learned more, is that they received much of the information about what they were dealing with from their external suppliers late, which forced them to internally adjust what they were building, and the car came out late and heavy. And late and heavy is not a good thing; they missed the first test.”
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Despite the criticism, Coulthard highlighted the quality of the driver duo and believes a future recovery could be positive for the team: “But the comeback will be sweet, and I think they have two fantastic drivers. And, yes, they may not have many points, but for Williams fans around the world, it has been a disappointment.”
According to him, Williams may still present an upgrade this season, but the main focus is already on 2027. “They may bring one more upgrade this year, but beyond that, all focus will be on next year.”
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