Claire Williams backs Williams despite painful 2026 season

Former Williams deputy team principal Claire Williams says the team remains in "safe hands" under owner Dorilton Capital and team principal James Vowles, despite a troubled 2026 campaign. Williams sits ninth in the constructors' championship with 12 points after 20 rounds, a sharp fall from recent progress.

Speaking to RacingNews365 at the launch of Fortescue Zero Racing, Claire Williams said the performance would have been a surprise to everyone involved in the team. She said she had complete faith in Vowles and the management team, adding that turning things around may take more time than anyone would like.

Claire Williams now serves as a brand ambassador for Fortescue Zero, whose works Formula E team has grown out of the former Williams Advanced Engineering business. Asked whether Formula 1 is ready for the leap Formula E is making, she said rivalry between the two championships could drive innovation.