The Grove outfit has slipped backwards compared to its impressive 2025 campaign, when it secured fifth in the constructors’ standings, but the team boss insists his driver pairing remains non-negotiable.
“[There is] zero doubt in my mind that this is the pairing that I want,” Vowles told F1.com.
“They are aware of it. You will always get silly season but it’s in our hands both today and in the next five years to demonstrate we have ability to put performance on the car that outstrips other teams and therefore earn their right to be here.”
After exceeding expectations last year, with Albon delivering consistent points finishes and Sainz adding two podiums late in the season, Williams entered 2026 targeting another step forward under the new regulations having focussed heavily on the new cycle from an early stage.
But a series of winter production delays left the team on the back foot, contributing to a challenging opening phase that sees them sitting eighth in the standings on 19 points.
That downturn has inevitably raised questions about the futures of both drivers, particularly given Sainz’s pedigree and Albon’s resurgence within the team.
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But Vowles pointed to their response during a tough winter as evidence of their value beyond outright results.
“They are both hugely impressive because it was a tough winter,” he explained.
“I called them pretty much daily on here’s where we are and here’s what’s changing.
As it changed around us, I wanted to make sure they had awareness on it.
“So, it was bad news stories that kept coming for weeks but my ask to them was: ‘You are a leader of this organisation as I am, so make sure we pull together and directionally pull the team forward’.
“They were there by our sides all the way through and that’s really important to me.
They were asking the right questions and asking me: ‘What else can I do?’ That’s a sign of the characters they are and the strength as they are as individuals.”
Vowles also highlighted their ability to capitalise when opportunities arise, even amid an inconsistent package.
“What I enjoy about them is that every time we have had points to pick up – Miami or even before that Shanghai – they are there and ready to do it.”
While the current campaign has not unfolded as planned, Vowles remains adamant that the bigger picture has not changed, with Williams continuing to build towards a return to the front of the grid.
“It doesn’t have an impact on what we are doing,” he said.
“What we have always said is ’28 is one of our big milestones, 2030 the second of those two milestones – and championships towards 2030. It doesn’t change that direction of travel.
“It’s frustrating. I have discovered more issues that I would have liked. They are all fixable. It’s a blip in the road.
“If you ignore it, you’re in trouble. But if you use the fact of understanding of what went wrong and go back to the root cause of it, it’s one of the most powerful things that can happen to you.”
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