2026 British GP: Williams review, Sainz penalty

Reports say Williams has begun a post-Silverstone review, while Carlos Sainz took a rare one-lap penalty after a Safety Car infringement.

Williams is reported to be carrying out a review after a difficult British Grand Prix. Motorsport.com reported that the team started a two-week assessment of its development direction after Silverstone, and also reported that team principal James Vowles is targeting a reset before the Belgian Grand Prix.

Carlos Sainz’s weekend also included an unusual penalty. RaceFans reported that he received a one-lap penalty for illegally overtaking the Safety Car after a pit-lane quirk at Silverstone. The same outlet reported that Sainz described the weekend as a wake-up call and said Williams’ British Grand Prix upgrade had not delivered as expected.

Sainz was 15th in the drivers' championship on six points at this stage of the 2026 season. Across his Formula 1 career, the Spaniard has 241 starts, four wins, five pole positions and 29 podiums.