Williams under FIA scrutiny as Carlos Sainz FW48 clears extensive Miami checks

Carlos Sainz’s Williams FW48, including its front wing adjuster system, passed all post-race physical inspections in Miami after being randomly selected by the FIA. The checks confirmed full compliance with the 2026 Technical Regulations, and the team enjoyed its first double points finish of the season — Sainz ninth, Alex Albon tenth.

Why it matters:

Williams has struggled for consistency in recent years, but scoring points with both cars in Miami shows real progress. Passing FIA scrutineering under the spotlight of random checks also confirms the team’s technical procedures are robust, a vital credibility marker for a midfield squad aiming to climb the standings.

The details:

• The FIA randomly selects cars from the top ten finishers for extended scrutineering. In Miami, Sainz’s car (No. 55) was pulled aside.
• Inspections focused on the front wing adjuster system, its sensors, wiring, and connections to the standard ECU — covering actuator types, sensor homologation, data logging, and submission documents.
• All components were found to conform fully to the 2026 regulations.
• Earlier in the weekend, Red Bull’s Isack Hadjar was disqualified from qualifying after a 2mm floor infringement was found — a mistake Red Bull admitted and said was unrelated to Max Verstappen’s car.
• Williams now sits seventh in the constructors’ standings on five points, three ahead of Audi.

What's next:

The team will look to build on Miami’s momentum at the next race. Consistent points finishes are essential if Williams is to hold off Audi and challenge the midfield pack. The clean FIA bill also removes any lingering technical doubts ahead of the season’s next phase.