How Williams have clawed back to being a contender in Formula 1 under James Vowles leadership

For decades, Williams stood as one of Formula 1’s most iconic names. But in recent years, the team has been fighting not for podiums and championships, but for survival in the midfield and at times even propping up the back of the grid. Fast-forward to the 2025 season, and the story looks very different. Williams are not only competitive — they’re making headlines with podiums, consistent points finishes, and a newfound sense of belief.

So how far have Williams come this year? To answer that, let’s look at the numbers, the leadership of James Vowles, and the contributions of Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon, who together are powering this remarkable revival.

The Numbers Tell the Story

Perhaps the clearest measure of Williams’ resurgence is in their points tally.

• In 2019, Williams scored just 1 point across the entire season.

• By 2020, they failed to score at all.

• In 2021, they managed 23 points — a step forward, largely thanks to a memorable podium for George Russell in Spa.

• In 2022, their total slumped back to just 8 points, the lowest of any team that year.

• In 2023, they climbed to 28 points, finishing seventh in the Constructors’ standings.

• In 2024, they made incremental progress again, scoring 42 points — enough to suggest they were moving in the right direction.

But now, in 2025, Williams have already smashed those figures. With more than half the season gone, they sit on 101 points — more than the combined total of the previous three seasons. They’ve scored consistently at circuits with very different characteristics, a clear sign that their car is no longer a “one-trick pony.” And with Carlos Sainz’s stunning podium in Baku, Williams returned to the rostrum for the first time in a full Grand Prix since 2017.

It’s not just about the raw numbers. It’s about consistency, confidence, and proving that Williams is once again a force in the midfield — and occasionally capable of upsetting the frontrunners.

The James Vowles Effect

When Williams appointed James Vowles as team principal in 2023, some questioned whether Mercedes’ former chief strategist was the right man for the job. Two years on, there’s little doubt: Vowles has been transformative.

Vowles brought with him a deep understanding of how a modern F1 powerhouse operates, having been part of Mercedes’ dynasty during the hybrid era. But crucially, he also brought humility, patience, and clarity — qualities Williams desperately needed.

Some of the key changes under Vowles’ leadership include:

• Restructuring the technical department: Williams lacked resources and direction. Vowles introduced a clearer chain of command and hired experienced personnel to close gaps in design and development.

• Long-term investment strategy: Rather than chasing short-term miracles, Vowles has focused on sustainable growth, improving the team’s infrastructure and data capabilities.

• Empowering the drivers: Both Sainz and Albon have spoken highly of the openness in communication, where feedback is valued and acted upon.

Vowles’ vision is about balancing ambition with realism. He knows Williams can’t leapfrog straight to title contention, but he has instilled a culture where progress is visible, achievable, and motivating. The 2025 results are the first true sign that his blueprint is paying off.

Carlos Sainz: The Experienced Leader

When Williams announced Carlos Sainz as a signing for 2025, eyebrows were raised. Could a proven race winner adapt to a team still rebuilding its reputation? As it turns out, Sainz has been the perfect fit.

His podium in Baku was more than just a personal triumph — he called it “the best podium of my career” — it was symbolic of Williams’ revival. Sainz’s experience from Ferrari has been invaluable. He knows how to lead development, motivate engineers, and extract performance from a car even when conditions are tricky.

Perhaps more importantly, he has provided the leadership Williams needed on track. When chaos erupts, as it so often does in F1, Sainz has the composure to bring home results. His points tally alone has lifted Williams higher than they’ve been in nearly a decade.

Alex Albon: The Steady Hand

Alongside Sainz, Alex Albon continues to be Williams’ steady, reliable performer. Albon’s career has been rejuvenated at Grove, and he has thrived as the team’s anchor.

Where Sainz brings flair and the occasional headline result, Albon delivers consistent points — crucial in the midfield where every position matters. His adaptability across circuits and ability to manage tyres has been instrumental in Williams scoring in races where the outright pace wasn’t there for a top finish.

Together, Sainz and Albon form one of the most balanced and underrated pairings on the grid. Both bring experience, calmness under pressure, and a collaborative spirit that has maximised the team’s momentum.

How Far Can Williams Go?

Williams’ rise in 2025 begs the obvious question: how far can they go? Right now, they’re firmly in the thick of the midfield battle, often beating Alpine, Racing Bulls, and Aston Martin on merit.

With Sainz and Albon delivering week in, week out, a top-five finish in the Constructors’ standings is very much on the table — a remarkable achievement considering where they were just a few years ago. More podiums aren’t out of the question either, especially at unpredictable tracks like Singapore, Mexico, or Brazil.

The next challenge will be sustaining this upward trend. Formula 1 is unforgiving, and rivals will fight back. But under James Vowles, Williams now has a clear identity, a competitive car, and a driver lineup that knows how to score.

Final Thoughts

The 2025 season has marked a turning point for Williams. From the dark days of 2019 and 2020, where scoring a single point was cause for celebration, they are now a team capable of podiums and triple-digit points tallies.

James Vowles deserves huge credit for this transformation. His steady hand and vision have reshaped Williams into a competitive outfit again. Add to that the contributions of Carlos Sainz, with his race-winning pedigree, and Alex Albon, with his consistent points scoring, and you have a team that looks ready to re-establish itself as a permanent fixture in F1’s midfield and perhaps, in time, a contender once again.

Williams have come a long way — and for the first time in years, the journey forward looks brighter than ever.