Australian GP: Key Takeaways from Friday’s Press Conference
If you missed the Friday press conference in Melbourne, don't worry, we've got a full debrief for you! Williams, Ferrari, and Aston Martin were on the interviewing bench, and here's what you need to know.
This weekend, Albert Park is the stage for the first round of the Formula 1 championship. And let me tell you, the stakes are already huge. With realistic ambitions, long-term strategies, and well-aimed jabs, team directors haven’t minced their words.
Williams: Measured optimism but delighted with Carlos Sainz
James Vowles, the director of Williams, is both enthusiastic and realistic about the level of his FW47. Yes, the car has shown potential, but Vowles knows that there’s still a long way to go before challenging the top teams: « The four giants of the sport, and McLaren is indeed among them, are now at the top of the hierarchy. I would love to say that we are going to join them, but that’s not the reality today. »
On the other hand, the atmosphere in the Williams garage has significantly changed. The arrival of Carlos Sainz has something to do with it, and the boss is full of praise for the Spaniard: His ability to understand what is happening within the team around him and how to make it progress, what excellence looks like, what victory looks like […] that’s his strength. Needless to say, he is more than just a fast driver: he is transforming the team from the inside.
Ferrari: Patience and calm even under pressure
At Ferrari, Frédéric Vasseur is not impressed by the first day: « Last year in Melbourne, after only two races, everyone was already anticipating Red Bull’s victory, which ultimately didn’t happen. I think we need to increase the pace, building weekend after weekend. […] It is far too early to draw conclusions. »
Asked about Charles Leclerc’s obsession with the title, Vasseur tried to qualify it: « I’m not sure the word ‘obsession’ is the right one, but it’s certain that when you’ve been in this profession since the age of three, the goal is clear. »
And Lewis Hamilton in all this? The seven-time world champion is going through an adaptation phase, and for Vasseur, all is well: « He loves what he’s doing, and we love working with him. […] Now, it’s the beginning of the season, and we need to stay focused. »
Aston Martin and its new wind tunnel: the key to the future?
Andy Cowell, the technical director of Aston Martin, is betting on the long term. The big news? A brand new wind tunnel in Silverstone, which could well change the game for the coming years: « It is equipped with excellent technology. Before, you had to load the model into a van and hope it arrived in one piece at the other end. » No more logistical hassles, everything is optimized: « Aerodynamicists don’t even need to put on a coat to go to the wind tunnel! »
Regarding on-track performance, it’s the same story as with Ferrari: no hasty conclusions. We managed to run both types of tires. I think everyone lost a bit of track time because of the red flags. We are just trying to be ready for qualifying and the race.
But the real focus is already 2026. Newey is working on the future regulations: « The choice we have made for now is for Adrian to work on the 2026 car. » The goal: to get closer to the top teams by 2026.
A Formula 1 movie and an eleventh team, enough to shake things up?
Outside of purely technical discussions, two current topics were also addressed during this press conference. First, the trailer for the F1 film that is generating great curiosity in the paddock. Vowles is confident about the impact of such a project: « Netflix has transformed our sport. […] The film will open us up to a different and wider market. »
In a more sporting but equally publicized register: the arrival of Cadillac in F1. While the reception of an eleventh team divides, Vasseur sees the positive side of things: « The arrival of another manufacturer is good news. It’s an American, which is even better. But it’s not easy to start from scratch. »
James Vowles is being pragmatic: It’s a great brand, a big name, that will bring to the sport elements we don’t have today. More diversity on the grid, more opportunities, but also a revenue distribution that will not make everyone happy…
In brief:
- Williams believes in their progression, but knows there’s still a long way to go
- Carlos Sainz is a real asset to the team
- Ferrari keeps a cool head, Hamilton fits in well
- Aston Martin is betting on the future and a state-of-the-art wind tunnel
- The F1 movie could further boost the sport’s popularity
