Why Williams could lose their midfield supremacy in 2025

As it stands, Williams are comfortably 5th in the constructors standings. The British team have generally been the ‘best of the rest’ in 2025, with the FW47 proving a competitive machine.

Despite the volume of crashes and incidents they suffered 2024, the Grove-based squad managed to address many of last year’s shortcomings.

Team principal James Vowles made a point to switch Williams’ focus to this season relatively early last season – so that his personnel could focus entirely on the 2026 regulations.

Until the Imola GP, Williams enjoyed a significant buffer over other teams in the midfield.

In recent months, however, Vowles’ personnel have seen their advantage steadily eroded.

Williams losing out in the development race

As previously outlined, Williams abandoned 2024 development relatively early to focus on this year’s package.

This decision put them in a very strong position in the opening rounds, with Alex Albon in particular achieving big points hauls.

Even Carlos Sainz, who has vocalised his struggles in adapting to the FW47, has regularly fought in the top 10.

Misfortune has also negatively impacted the Spaniard, with floor damage in Miami preventing him from finishing ahead of the Ferrari duo.

Despite this, the British team can generally be satisfied with their performance so far in 2025.

Unfortunately for James Vowles, this could change over the coming months. In fact, the Grove outfit’s advantage is largely eliminated already.

Unlike Williams, others in the midfield have introduced substantial upgrade packages since the European leg of the calendar.

Aston Martin, for example, have been far more competitive since their Imola updates.

Poor strategy and reliability failures prevented Fernando Alonso from securing big points in Imola and Monaco – but cleaner weekends in Spain and Canada saw the Double Champion secure solid results.

Haas and VCARB can also be credited with impressive mid-season updates. Haas’ transformation into a team with an effective development programme is particularly notable.

Even Sauber, at least in the hands of Nico Hulkenberg, are capable of fighting for points.

Like Aston Martin, the Swiss team have more updates scheduled for the coming weeks.

The Canadian GP was of unique significance for Williams, given it is a circuit well-suited the FW47.

For James Vowles’ team to be relatively average at a track like Canada does not bode well for the remainder of 2025.

Focus remains on 2026

To some extent, it is obviously frustrating for Williams to see other teams catch up in the midfield.

It is also plausible that, as mentioned above, the likes of Aston Martin progress further.

This could further complicate their efforts to retain 5th place in the constructors – which would be their best result in F1 since 2017.

At the same time, James Vowles has clearly articulated what the priorities at Williams are.

The former Mercedes engineer wants to lead Williams into Championship contention – with the 2026 regulations being the best opportunity to rapidly progress.

Because of this, the team’s entire development approach has been centred on next year.

Inevitably, this mean’s the FW47 is unlikely to see any major improvements. This could certainly pay off when the lights go out in Australia next year.

Until then, however, Williams will be in an increasingly demanding midfield scrap.

Main photo: Williams Media Gallery