Coulthard backs Williams: “I think they’ve made good progress”
21st June 2026Former Williams driver, David Coulthard, praises the British team for their progression so far in 2026, despite a start far below expectations for a team with 9 constructors’ titles in its history.
Feature image credit: Pirelli
Before the team had even completed a lap in 2026, Williams was already in significant trouble. After delivering a car that initially failed its mandatory crash tests, the Grove-based team were forced to miss the first official test of the new season in Barcelona.
This disappointment followed the team to Australia. Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz could only manage 15th and 21st in the opening qualifying session of the year. Albon’s brilliant 5th-place finish in Albert Park 12 months prior suddenly looked like an impossible feat.
Since then, results have been tough to find, as Williams has since scored just 11 points all season; 40 points less than the previous year. However, popular Formula One pundit, David Coulthard, has been quick to rush to his former team’s defence.
Speaking on his regular podcast, Up To Speed, Coulthard said:
“They have to take the praise and the criticism with equal acceptance. The criticism was that they delivered an overweight car. It was also late getting to the track.”
“I think they’ve made good progress, so all credit to the journey that they’re on.”
Albon’s 8th place finish in Monaco was the teams best result of the season, although Barcelona was arguably a step back – with neither driver scoring points or reaching Q3.
Sainz and Albon on differing paths
Speaking to the media, Albon called his last race “a test session” after encountering car problems all weekend. This was a massive shame for Albon, as the British-Thai driver was meant to be celebrating his 95th race with Williams (more than any other driver in the team’s history).
Coulthard admitted that he could tell both drivers were frustrated, but noted it more from Albon than Sainz.
“You can see the frustration for the drivers visibly a bit more with Alex.
“He’s embedded in that team, he’s part of the DNA. So, I guess his frustration level will be higher than Carlos, which – let’s be frank, he’s probably eye-balling – definitely eyeballing – where his next opportunity lies.”
Coulthard’s comments come after rumours of Sainz’s potential return to McLaren, reuniting with his friend Lando Norris and replacing Oscar Piastri. Aston Martin and Audi have also been touted as potential destinations for the Spaniard.
Albon, on the other hand, does not have as many suiters, despite scoring more points than his teammate since Carlos joined the team last year.
For Albon, it appears he is in it for the long run with Williams. He knows that any chance of competing for the sport’s top prizes will rely on Williams delivering. However, time is running out for the 30-year-old.
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