Electric Cars

Formula 1 analyst Will Buxton has sharply criticized the Williams team for its 2026 season, accusing them of making grand promises while consistently failing to deliver. He also conveyed his astonishment at Carlos Sainz's choice to align with Williams, bypassing an opportunity with Audi, particularly in light of Williams' ongoing struggles, including an uncompetitive car and a poor standing in the championship.

Despite previous optimistic pronouncements, Williams has encountered significant difficulties throughout the 2026 season. The team faced setbacks even before the season began, missing crucial private testing sessions in Barcelona, which set them behind. Compounding these issues, their car has been plagued by excessive weight, severely impacting its performance on track.

After completing 12 races, Williams currently occupies the ninth position in the constructors' standings, having accumulated only 11 points. Individually, drivers Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon find themselves at the 16th and 17th spots in the drivers' championship, with six and five points respectively. The team's challenging season was further highlighted by an incident at the Dutch Grand Prix in Zandvoort, where both teammates collided, leading to Albon's retirement and a 10-second penalty for Sainz.

During an appearance on the ‘Up To Speed’ podcast, Buxton delved into the contrasting approaches of Williams and Audi. Audi entered the grid in 2026 as a factory team, taking over Sauber. Sainz had been in discussions with Audi after losing his seat at Ferrari to Lewis Hamilton, but he ultimately opted to join Williams for the 2025 season.

Buxton elaborated on the differing philosophies of the two teams, noting that Audi, despite its factory status, has adopted a more reserved strategy of “underpromising and overdelivering.” In stark contrast, Williams has consistently “overpromised and underdelivered,” making bold claims about their performance aspirations that have not materialized. This disparity left Buxton particularly puzzled by Sainz's decision, suggesting that Williams’ team principal, James Vowles, must have presented a highly compelling vision to persuade him.

Williams' performance this season has fallen short of expectations, marked by significant technical challenges and a lack of competitive edge, making Carlos Sainz's decision to join them a point of considerable debate among Formula 1 observers.

Witness the Rise of a New Legend: Pato O'Ward Conquers Milwaukee!

A Day of Unprecedented Dominance: O'Ward's Historic Sweep at Milwaukee

At The Milwaukee Mile, Pato O'Ward delivered an extraordinary performance, claiming victory in both races of the doubleheader event. This remarkable achievement makes him the first IndyCar driver since Rick Mears in 1981 to win two races on the same day. Driving his #5 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet, the 27-year-old Mexican racer joined an elite group of seven drivers in IndyCar history who have accomplished this rare feat, including iconic names like Mario Andretti, Al Unser, and Bobby Unser. This double win not only showcased O'Ward's exceptional skill but also solidified his place among the sport's all-time greats.

Crafting a Unique Legacy: O'Ward's Perspective on His Place in History

Despite being compared to some of the most revered figures in IndyCar, Pato O'Ward remains grounded, focusing on forging his own path. He expressed a humble surprise at being mentioned alongside such legendary drivers, emphasizing his dedication to writing his own story. O'Ward highlighted his lifelong commitment to racing and his relentless pursuit of excellence in every endeavor. His competitive drive and passion for challenging himself were evident throughout his dominant day at Milwaukee, as he continues to define his career on his own terms.

Race One: A Display of Strategic Prowess and Unwavering Focus

O'Ward's focused determination was on full display during the rain-delayed first race. He led an impressive 119 laps, ultimately securing the win by overtaking David Malukas of Team Penske on a crucial late restart with only 19 laps remaining. O'Ward commended Malukas's performance, acknowledging his strong pace and skillful navigation through traffic. He shared insights into his strategic approach, emphasizing the importance of patience and allowing opportunities to unfold naturally rather than forcing them, a lesson learned from past experiences.

Race Two: Solidifying Dominance and Securing a Third Victory

In the second race, O'Ward continued his commanding performance, leading for 55 laps. He successfully fended off Scott McLaughlin from Team Penske to clinch his third victory at The Milwaukee Mile and his third win of the 2026 season. O'Ward attributed his success to the team's unwavering determination to remain competitive and capitalize on every opportunity. He expressed immense pride in his team and Team Chevy, especially after a challenging season on oval tracks. This sweep provided a perfect conclusion to the oval season, aligning with his aspirations for the weekend.

A Season of Highs: All or Nothing for O'Ward in 2026

The Milwaukee sweep epitomizes O'Ward's "all-or-nothing" season, where his only three podium finishes have all been victories. He humorously recounted his thoughts during the first race, hoping to convert a potential second-place finish into a win, feeling that the "racing gods" heard his plea. This unique trend highlights his ability to perform under pressure and convert strong performances into outright wins, underscoring his decisive competitive nature.

Championship Ambitions: Gaining Ground Towards the Season Finale

The substantial points haul from his double victory significantly boosted O'Ward's position in the championship standings. He now sits fourth overall with 503 points, just four points behind his Arrow McLaren teammate Christian Lundgaard, who holds second place. Heading into the season finale at WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca, O'Ward expressed the critical importance of his performance at Milwaukee for his championship hopes. He eagerly anticipates the opportunity to contend for second place in the championship, aiming to replicate his strong finish from the previous year and overcome what he described as feeling like a "lost puppy" earlier in the season.