Jun.23 (GMM) James Vowles has insisted Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon remain fully committed to Williams despite fresh speculation linking both drivers with exits.
Swiss newspaper Blick’s veteran journalist Roger Benoit claims Sainz has become increasingly frustrated with Williams’ disappointing 2026 campaign and, “under pressure from his father,” could finally revisit a move to Audi.
Audi, already linked with Sainz’s famous rallying father Carlos Sainz senior, originally targeted the 31-year-old when it acquired Sauber two years ago, but the Spaniard ultimately chose Williams instead.
Blick also suggested Albon could be weighing up his own future.
The rumours come as Williams struggles to meet expectations after finishing P5 in last year’s constructors’ championship.
“We haven’t lived up to our potential,” Vowles admitted to Marca.
“We made mistakes this winter.”
The Williams boss said the FW48 started the season carrying too much weight and lacking downforce, although upgrades are being prepared.
Despite the difficult campaign, Vowles says he has no concerns about losing either of his drivers. “If they were considering any other option, they would come and talk to me,” he said.
Vowles revealed he has maintained regular and frank discussions with both drivers since identifying problems with the 2026 project.
“With me, what you see is what you get,” he said. “I’ll tell them the bad news, but also the good.”
At the same time, he acknowledged that any driver would naturally assess opportunities elsewhere if a top seat became available.
“They would be foolish if a seat opened up at Mercedes tomorrow and they didn’t evaluate their options,” Vowles admitted.
“But today they are 100 percent committed to Williams.”
The Briton argues that Williams offers something unique to both Sainz and Albon. “Alex and Carlos have already invested a lot of time in making Williams the team they want it to be,” he said.
“It’s their team, and that’s something they can’t find anywhere else on the grid.”
Vowles concluded: “I’m not worried.
“My job is to show them how we’re going to quickly rectify this and provide an environment where they can fight for podiums again.”
