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Williams has endured a major downturn after finishing fifth in the constructors’ championship last season, slipping towards the rear of the field under the new regulations. Vowles admitted that regression created a genuine risk of losing two drivers he believes are capable of fighting at the front. “I was concerned about losing both, because they are world championship material drivers that deserve the opportunity to be fighting for podiums or more, and we haven’t delivered that,” Vowles said. “If you look to the outside, I hope there’s no doubt that we’ve been slowly stepping forward, with last being a blip, but a step in the right direction, so for us to move backwards isn’t just a surprise to the drivers; it is a surprise to everyone, and that would always create a risk that you lose them.” Sainz joined Williams from Ferrari at the beginning of 2025 and scored two grand prix podiums during his first season at Grove, while Albon has been central to the team’s rebuild since returning to F1 in 2022. Vowles said the response of both drivers to Williams’ struggles only strengthened his desire to keep them, particularly their willingness to support the wider team. “What I’m thankful for is the moment when we had problems; they stood by our side,” he said. “It wasn’t finger-pointing; it was actually: ‘Tell me what I can do,’ and they both came into the factory and spoke to the whole organisation and gave them a lift. “Carlos and Alex did the same; they re-signed, and they wanted to make sure that they were here with the team.” Vowles added that retaining the pair provides crucial stability as Williams continues its wider transformation. “Yeah, it’s vitally important,” he admitted. “When you’re going through what we’re doing at the moment, which is large transformations, large swathes of big changes, the stability that Carlos and Alex provide is huge. “Alex has obviously been there since ’22. He wants this project to be successful, but having Carlos there by our side as we go through that is vitally important.” Vowles said the impact of both deals had already been noticeable inside the factory. “There’s a weight lifted off it this week as a result of [the re-signings], and I’ve seen them [the factory] move forward at a much faster pace as a result,” he said. “So the belief is real and tangible.” The Williams boss also praised Sainz for maintaining the same approach despite the team’s struggles. “If I start with Carlos, he is immensely good. His attitude and approach doesn’t change irrespective of whether he’s fighting for 18th or a podium, and that’s quite unique,” Vowles added. “He’s just driven by constant performance improvements. Fundamentally, that is what you need to be driving yourselves forward with.” Vowles said Albon continued to provide perspective from his longer spell with the team as Williams worked through its latest setback. “They bring different aspects to it, but both are a strength,” Vowles said. The team has started its Dutch Grand Prix weekend off the pace, with Albon qualifying 16th and Sainz 18th for the sprint race.