Williams in the News: Smart moves, digging deep and inspiring futures

Here’s how Atlassian Williams F1 Team has been making headlines following the Chinese Grand Prix weekend

Published

20 MAR 2026

Est. reading time

3 min

Following a points-scoring finish at the Chinese Grand Prix, Atlassian Williams F1 Team have remained firmly in the news cycle.

Whether it’s smart decisions in crucial moments on track, honest reflections on performance, or initiatives designed to inspire future talent, it’s been a week that highlights the many facets of our journey.

Here’s how we’ve been covered in the press this week…

Racecraft in focus

Autosport took a closer look at Carlos Sainz’s clever thinking in the closing stages in China, as he defended P9 under pressure.

“It was a P9. I knew that if he [Colapinto] attacked me, I wouldn’t play anything too stupid, considering that I could have a top-10. For the team, a point is still a good result," said Sainz.

“So I wasn't going to play aggressive, but then I saw the blue flags coming and I said 'if I play this well and give him dirty air, get my overtake mode, give him dirty air, get my Overtake mode'. Rather than a DRS train, an overtake mode train,” explained Sainz.

Carlos served the blue flags for George Russell just before the overtake mode detection point prior to starting the penultimate lap.

This allowed our Spanish racer to build enough of a margin over the Alpine chasing him down to retain P9 at the flag.

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Digging deep

Speaking after the race, Carlos was clear that while points were welcome, there’s more to come from the team.

“We know we are too slow compared to where we wanted to be, where we expected to be,” Sainz told media including RacingNews365.

“Part of that is the weight that we know we need to get out of the car. But another part, a very big part of it, is downforce that we need to improve.

“We haven't [had] the most reliable car. Alex not starting the race [in China] and me missing so many free practices and having so many issues.

“Honestly, we need to level up, because we're having too many issues in too many areas.

“As a team, we need to dig deep.”

Carlos in the media pen at the Chinese Grand Prix

Inspiring the next generation

Off track, the team continues to invest in the future, with a new STEM-focused initiative highlighted by Essex Magazine.

Atlassian Williams F1 Team will host a special aerodynamics workshop at the Silverstone Museum this April, as part of the Williams STEM Experience. The programme gives young people hands-on insight into engineering, from designing components to testing them in a real wind tunnel.

Delivered in partnership with #GirlsWill, the initiative aims to inspire more girls to explore STEM pathways, with free tickets available for those under 16. Click here for more information on this initiative.

A legend returns home

Damon with James at the Australian Grand Prix

Motorsport.com covered the emotional return of Damon Hill to Williams, as he begins a new role as team ambassador.

"Great to be back where I belong," he posted to his followers on X. "Thanks @WilliamsF1 for the welcome home."

“Williams is truly a special place for me and where some of the defining moments of my career took place," Hill said when his role was confirmed. "I feel incredibly lucky to have been part of this sport and to have achieved what I did, and returning as an Ambassador is a real privilege. It’s an opportunity to celebrate the team’s history and help to support its legacy and future.”

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Williams in the News: Smart moves, digging deep and inspiring futures

Here’s how Atlassian Williams F1 Team has been making headlines following the Chinese Grand Prix weekend

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19 MAR 2026

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