Strategy
Williams brings lighter chassis to Baku
Answer
ConfirmedWilliams introduced two new lighter chassis for the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The FW48 now sits at or below the 768 kg minimum weight limit for the first time this season after starting overweight.
New chassis arrives in Baku
Williams brought two new lighter chassis to the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. The FW48 now reaches or falls below the 768 kg minimum weight limit for the first time in 2026.[1][2]
The team had started the season with the car above the limit after production delays and crash-test issues forced extra reinforcement. The initial excess was between 20 kg and 28 kg.[2][3]
Performance implications
Next steps for Williams
Further aerodynamic updates accompany the new chassis. Team principal James Vowles described the package as a step in the right direction while noting it will not resolve every shortfall.[1]
Related reading
Sources
- [1]'A step in the right direction but not enough' – Vowles assesses impact of Williams' Baku upgrade (formula1). Accessed 2026-09-26.
- [2]Will the 'big swing' Williams F1 car upgrade be a hit or a miss? (motorsport). Accessed 2026-09-26.
- [3]Too little too late? What's resting on Williams's Baku upgrade (the-race). Accessed 2026-09-26.
Published 26 Sept 2026, 13:38 UTC