Williams in the News: American insight, optimistic Alex, spotlight on Sainz and gearing up for Goodwood

It’s been a positive few days for Atlassian Williams Racing, after the team secured double points in Miami last weekend.

Alex placed P5 to register his fifth return in six races, while Carlos’ P9 was his second consecutive top-ten finish.

With Williams’ strong start to the season putting us fifth in the Constructors’ Championship, there’s certainly been a feel-good factor surrounding the opening rounds of 2025.

That’s led to plenty of media coverage — so here’s a round-up of what the press have been saying since our successful stint in Florida…

Having just returned from the US, Team Principal James Vowles offered his insight into Formula 1’s rapidly growing North American market during an interview with the Wall Street Journal - latterly covered by Motorsport.com.

Reflecting on the increased interest in F1 stateside, James said:

“It is hugely significant. What I always compare it to is where we were 10 years ago, when F1 wasn't even really known as a sport or a brand properly within the US.

“And now, this is the fastest-growing market. A quarter of the partners that are with the teams are American, which just gives you an idea of what it is.

“For us, Dorilton is based in America. We have a US office. America is a core part of what we are doing as a sport. And what I'm really proud of is how that's migrated across the last 10 years and, more importantly, probably the direction of travel over the next 10 years as well.”

James also hinted that a first-class F1 driver could emerge from the United States in the coming years, saying:

“There's two names that I can think of, one that we've got, one that's signed by a different team, that have huge potential.

“But what we've really got to do is structure the right pathway for them. And that means that a lot of them are living in Europe; the whole family decants to Europe.

“That's the case for our young driver, Lucas Palacio. He will have a fantastic career, but he's seven years away from getting into the sport.”

Alex has been in sublime form this season, picking up points in five of his six outings to date - including a pair of impressive P5 finishes in Melbourne and Miami.

It’s perhaps no surprise that he’s feeling positive about his future with Williams, then, as he recently revealed to the PA news agency.

The Independent covered the story, with Albono stating: “I think my confidence [has] built up over time.

“Year on year I have got more confident, not so much as a driver but as a person maturing with age and being comfortable with being a team leader in bringing up the team.”

Our Thai racer later added: “Yes, I feel like I am a good driver, I have a good team around me and I am ready for anything.

“But ready for anything for me now is being ready for Williams and the journey that we have.”

Carlos’ racing pedigree needs no introduction, but Marie Claire dug a little deeper into CS55’s personal life this week.

The 30-year-old discussed everything from misconceptions about him to things he’d like to change in the world, in a wide-ranging interview.

“[I’d like to see] equal opportunity to everyone in the world, so everyone has the same chance to be the best version of themselves,” he declared.

“Unfortunately, not everyone has the same opportunities or privilege, so I would want everyone to start from the same point and then let people thrive in their own ways.”

Excitement is building for the 2025 Goodwood Festival of Speed, following the announcement that James Vowles, Jamie Chadwick and Lia Block are set to drive Nigel Mansell’s legendary FW14B at this year’s edition - and Nigel himself, of course.

That news appeared on Crash.net and Motorsport.com, with the latter focusing on Lia’s excitement at taking part:

““I started going to Goodwood when I was really young with my dad who used to do the hillclimb a lot,” she said.

“Last year was a very big moment for me being able to drive an F1 car up the hill.

“It was a dream come true, and Goodwood is so special to me because so many people from different areas of motorsport come together to celebrate the sport.

“This year is going to be an iconic experience for me in an iconic car - I can’t wait!”