Why should we look out for Atlassian Williams Racing?

Coming into 2025, the biggest talk seemed to be about Lewis Hamilton but there is another topic looming that deserves some attention. That is the Williams Racing Team. 

On February 14th the Williams 2025 car rolled out onto the track, and it was a complete contrast to previous pre-season reveals (or lack) of a car that wasn’t ready. This year, the air at Williams seems different. There’s a more positive approach and feel to this season. Could it be Carlos Sainz’s arrival to the team? Could it be the leadership of James Vowles? Either way, all signs show that Williams is on the right track to being a respected team again.

The announcement of James Vowles into the team can be argued as the catalyst to it all. Previously the strategy director in Mercedes, Vowles has proven extensive knowledge in his work throughout his career. His role as team principle to Williams was indeed a well-deserved move and he has continuously shown his worth to the team.

When Vowles arrived at the team in 2023, Williams Racing was sitting last in the constructor’s championship. Since then, the team went up to 7th and then 9th with Alex Albon arguably carrying the team as the second seat got swapped between Nick De Vries, Logan Seargeant and Franco Colapinto. It was only when Colapinto took the seat to match Albon’s ability that fans really got to see the potential of the Williams car.

The 2024 season was a painful one for Williams with the FW46 development only just ready in time for Bahrain testing, some extensive damage made to the cars throughout the season and yet another change of a driver, however it was evident that regardless, there was a bigger picture at play within the team. The structured mindset that Vowles possesses has impacted the team to think of long-term fixes as opposed to quick fixes. He told Motorsport.com “it was part of the agreement from the get-go when I joined, which is no one, neither side, wants any short-term fixes. Everything is doing right for the future”.  

One of the most intriguing moves that Vowles has made is the signing of Carlos Sainz from Ferrari. It was a shock when Sainz chose a bottom team to move to after numerous wins and podiums. But Sainz has shown that he is a calculated driver, so when he chose Williams, it was further proof that Williams Racing has potential to be recognised. It is a team looking to the future – more particularly 2026.

Now with the arrival of Carlos Sainz, the team is gone with rookies and have two very experienced and qualified drivers at the seat of the 2025 Williams car. Along with a qualified team principle, we are now presented with a more well-rounded team. And the fact that at 9am on February 14th the fans were pleasantly presented with a new car, a well organised event that was praised by the media just goes to show how far the team has come. And why we should be invested in their journey.

The increase in marketing, and a new title sponsor is excellent communication that the team are moving forward and more importantly, are showing confidence in their approach. While there may still be expected mistakes to come in 2025, it is clear that the team are rebuilding their blocks and setting a positive and motivating environment towards a stronger future.