Williams F1 confirms “sizeable” upgrade package planned for Canadian GP

Williams arrived in Miami carrying a substantial upgrade package developed over the five-week break, and left Florida with points on the board and a growing momentum. Now, before the cars land in Montreal, team principal James Vowles has confirmed the upgrade pipeline doesn't stop there.

In a new Vowles Verdict from the Grove team, the former Mercedes strategy director reflected on the scale of the changes brought to the Miami International Autodrome: a new floor, revised bodywork, front wing modifications, altered rear suspension, exhaust blowing development, and a small but meaningful reduction in car weight.

After starting 2026 on the back foot, these improvements offered the squad some relief. 

"We have more performance coming from Montreal," Vowles confirmed. "Again, it's an odd situation where we've got these two weeks and we want to maximise these two weeks to the best of our ability, or three before the grand prix. And so, the pipeline is a little bit still up in the air as to what we can 100% deliver for that, but there could be a nice sizeable amount of performance."

Williams sits eighth in the constructors' standings with five points, just nine behind Red Bull Racing sister team Racing Bulls. 

"The reality is, though, I think other teams, Mercedes, Audi, maybe Haas will bring performance as well at the same time," he said. "So, it's just what we're bringing. Is it sufficient to maintain ground against those three teams? And it's hard to predict that right now.

Alexander Albon, Williams, Carlos Sainz, Williams, Valtteri Bottas, Cadillac Racing

Photo by: Andy Hone/ LAT Images via Getty Images

"I'm happy with what we've got in the pipeline. I'm happy what we've got in terms of a programme both with weight reduction and aerodynamic developments as well vehicle dynamic events. But it's hard to know where that will position."

The team brought an overweight car to the beginning of the season, something that they are starting to trim gradually as more upgrades come to fruition.