Williams: Jenson Button reveals key changes behind the scenes

Williams featured heavily in last year’s F1 news cycle, due to a variety of on and off-track developments. For all the positives, such as Franco Colapinto’s debut performances, there were also low points – such as their immense crash damages. Despite this, F1 World Champion Jenson Button is optimistic about Williams’ chances in 2025.

A new chapter for Williams

Typically speaking, it takes years of steady improvements for midfield teams to attract top-calibre drivers.

Renault, for example, made constant progress between 2016-18, which was crucial in convincing Daniel Ricciardo to join their project and leave Red Bull.

Similarly, Ayao Komatsu’s transformation at Haas has put the team in a position where they can sign Grand Prix winners – namely Esteban Ocon.

However, Williams are an exception to this rule. Due to various factor in last year’s whirlwind transfer market, they managed to secure the services of Carlos Sainz.

Considering that the Spaniard won two races in 2024, alongside several podium finishes, his contract with Grove was a huge shock across the paddock.

It is exceedingly rare for a multiple race-winner to join a team that finished 9th place in the standings.

Then again, Williams are not like most backmarker teams of years gone by. Investment from their owners has facilitated an increase in the quality and quantity of their personnel.

Jenson Button, F1 Champion and Williams ambassador, has commented on this aspect:

“The atmosphere kind of feels the same as back in 2000,” he told crash.net.

“It feels fun, exciting, obviously serious when it comes to racing, but it is a nice family atmosphere.

“When I re-joined the team as an ambassador the atmosphere wasn’t quite the same.

“You had people that have been here for a couple of decades, three decades.

“And then you had an influx of new talent coming into the team, and there was a need to put together the right leadership to bring everyone together to work as one.”

The pressure builds for James Vowles

Button predicts that Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz can push the team forward:

“It really helps the team move forward as well if they have two drivers that are competitive – that can learn from each other and move this team forward.”

Of course, these growing expectations come with the need to tangibly improve.

Last season’s underwhelming results at Williams, in many ways, were a consequence of Vowles’ willingness to prioritise long-term growth over immediate results.

His relentless efforts to hit the ground running in 2026 could also pay off in just over twelve months.

The former Mercedes strategist shows a level of ambition that has been missing from the Grove-based team for a long time.

Without his clear drive and high expectations for the future, it is unlikely Carlos Sainz would have taken the risk to join a project largely in its infancy.

Of course, all of the positive changes taking place at Williams are largely occurring behind the scenes. On-track results have not improved significantly in recent seasons – and this will have to change.

For the time being, James Vowles must ensure his team can be competitive in 2025 whilst also putting the necessary resources to make 2026 a sizable step forward.