FIA announce outcome of Williams F1 inspection ahead o…read more
The FIA has confirmed that Alex Albon’s Williams Formula 1 car passed a standard technical inspection conducted after the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix, clearing the way for the team to proceed without concern ahead of the 2025 Monaco Grand Prix. The inspection, which is a routine part of post-race scrutineering, focused on a variety of components, including both front and rear inboard suspension parts, dampers, sensors, wiring loom routing, and their connections to the Standard Electronic Control Unit (SECU) and other electronics. All parts inspected on Albon’s FW47 were found to be in full compliance with the FIA’s technical regulations, as officially confirmed on Thursday, May 22.
This confirmation is a welcome boost for Williams, whose performance in the 2025 Formula 1 season has been one of the biggest talking points in the paddock. After a difficult 2024 campaign, where they finished ninth in the Constructors’ Championship with just 17 points, the Grove-based outfit has undergone a dramatic transformation. Under the leadership of team principal James Vowles, Williams has emerged as a serious midfield contender, capable of challenging even the traditional front-runners. With seven rounds completed, Williams currently sits fifth in the Constructors’ Championship with a total of 51 points—three times the tally they managed across all 22 races in the previous season.
Much of this turnaround can be attributed to improved consistency, a more competitive car design, and the driver pairing of Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz. Albon, who has been with the team since 2022, has continued to deliver solid results and is increasingly establishing himself as a team leader. His performance in Imola was particularly impressive, where he managed to finish fifth—his highest placing of the season so far—after a tense battle with Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc in the closing stages of the race. Albon’s ability to hold off a Ferrari in race conditions, combined with his strong qualifying pace, underlined the significant progress Williams has made.
Carlos Sainz, who joined Williams from Ferrari at the start of the 2025 season, has also played a pivotal role in the team’s resurgence. While his transition to a midfield team raised some eyebrows when the move was first announced, Sainz has embraced the challenge and brought valuable experience and technical feedback to help push development forward. His collaboration with Albon and the engineering team has contributed to a car that is not only more reliable than last year’s version but also genuinely quick across a variety of circuits.
A key turning point in Williams’ 2025 campaign came in recent races, where both drivers have regularly reached Q3 and fought for points on merit. The FW47, designed with a focus on aerodynamic efficiency and better tire management, has proven competitive in qualifying and race conditions alike. Notably, the team demonstrated their one-lap speed at the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix, where they managed to out-qualify several works teams, including Ferrari, on Saturday. These performances reflect not just driver talent but also strategic progress in car setup and race operations.
The FIA’s clean bill of health for Albon’s car also underscores the legitimacy of the team’s performance gains. In a sport where technical infringements can result in disqualification, fines, or even points deductions, regulatory compliance is paramount. The inspection in Imola serves as a procedural check, and the fact that all parts and systems were within the regulations reassures both the team and its competitors that Williams’ rise is being achieved fairly and within the sporting code.
Looking ahead to the prestigious Monaco Grand Prix, Williams will aim to continue their impressive run of form. The tight and twisty Monte Carlo circuit is known for its unforgiving barriers and limited overtaking opportunities, placing a premium on qualifying performance and driver precision. Given their recent Q3 appearances and the improved handling of the FW47, the team will be hopeful of securing more points in the Principality.
Beyond this weekend, the trajectory of Williams in 2025 suggests a team that has turned a corner. With a rejuvenated driver lineup, effective leadership, and a car that continues to punch above its weight, the once-struggling squad is enjoying a revival that few would have predicted a year ago. The challenge now will be to maintain momentum, continue car development through the season, and potentially challenge for a top-four finish in the Constructors’ Championship—an achievement that would mark their best result in nearly a decade. For now, though, Williams can take confidence in the FIA’s endorsement and focus fully on capitalizing in Monaco.
