Vaulz: I know we have a competitive car.

      Reflecting on the events of the Dutch Grand Prix, James Vowles, head of Williams Racing, admits they left a bittersweet aftertaste, despite Alex Albon finishing fifth and earning valuable points for the team.

      Meanwhile Carlos Sainz, who started in Zandvoort six places ahead of his teammate, managed only 13th — his result was in part affected by a 10-second penalty that Vowles considers excessive. But there is hope that in Monza, where Carlos has stood on the podium several times and took pole in 2023, he will be able to make up for it.

      James Vowles: “The outcome of the race in Zandvoort was mixed. Alex performed brilliantly, including an excellent first lap that allowed him to gain several positions and end up behind Carlos’s car, after which he took advantage of further opportunities as they arose.

      The team’s work on the pit stops also deserves praise, and our strategy calls were correct, which also helped us move up relative to our rivals. That covers the positive points.

      But I’m disappointed for Carlos, because he has the pace, and the incident with Liam Lawson, in my view, was not serious enough to warrant a 10-second penalty. From the outside it looked no more than a racing incident, but in the end Sainz found himself outside the top ten. He did everything right and should have scored points as well.

      Speaking about the events that happened ahead of us, we have to note Racing Bulls’ podium. Their drivers put in a strong qualifying performance, and Isack Hadjar deservedly finished third. But for us it’s another reminder that that team scored more points than Williams in Zandvoort, and Aston Martin scored the same number as we did.

      The Italian Grand Prix is next, we’re preparing for it, and I’m already looking forward to the races in Monza and Baku, because I know we have a competitive car. The midfield is very tight, and our task now is to score more points than our rivals at all remaining Grands Prix.”