Williams Investigates Recurring Chassis Flaw as Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon Detail ‘Three-Wheeling’ Sensation

Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon detail a persistent "three-wheeling" sensation as Williams races to fix a long-term chassis issue before the Miami Grand Prix.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 7, 2026, 8:51 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from PlanetF1

The Resurgence of a Long-Term Mechanical Quirk

Williams has entered the 2026 season grappling with a familiar handling deficit that drivers describe as a reduction in the contact patch of the inside-front tyre. While the team believed they had mitigated this "three-wheeling" sensation during the 2025 campaign, the transition to the new technical era has caused the problem to resurface with renewed intensity. Carlos Sainz revealed that the characteristic was immediately apparent during his first laps for the team in Abu Dhabi, noting that the reduction in overall downforce under the current regulations has exacerbated the phenomenon. Despite a ninth-place finish in China, the team remains eighth in the Constructors' standings with only two points.

Alex Albon on the Historical Context of the Grip Deficit

Teammate Alex Albon confirmed that the lack of inside-front grip is not a new development, labeling it a consistent feature of Williams machinery since he joined the team several seasons ago. Albon pointed to specific high-stress corners, such as the double left-hander at Turns 9 and 10 in Bahrain, as areas where the car has historically struggled to maintain a stable tyre footprint. He explained that while the tyre does not literally lift off the ground, it fails to achieve the same surface pressure as the other three wheels. This imbalance forces the drivers to "drive around" the issue, often sacrificing corner entry speed to maintain stability.

Weight Reduction and Aerodynamic Priorities for the FW48

The struggle with mechanical balance is occurring alongside a rigorous weight-reduction program at the Grove factory. The FW48 has begun the season notably over the minimum weight limit, which, combined with the grip issues, has hampered Williams’ ability to compete at the front of the midfield. Sainz warned that while weight is a primary concern, the underlying vehicle dynamics must be addressed to unlock the car's true potential. The team has been utilizing Friday practice sessions as "on-track testing" to gather telemetry on how the chassis reacts to different setup configurations in an attempt to stabilize the front end.