James Vowles: I am proud of Carlos and the team

      Last season Williams was ninth in the Constructors' Championship, and has now clinched fifth place early and a healthy payout…

      James Vowles, team principal: "Excellent result. Carlos and the team performed superbly in Qatar, paying attention to every detail in a situation where every little thing mattered. A podium is a fair reward for the incredible work the whole team has done this year.

      I was proud of Carlos and the team when we took our first podium in Baku, and the second podium was the stuff of dreams, but more importantly – it was achieved on a track that last year was almost our worst. We've come back, we've changed, and the result is clear for all to see.

      As for Alex, we'll be back fighting in Abu Dhabi. This weekend we couldn't put everything together, but I'll repeat that it was thanks to his performances throughout the season that we secured fifth place in the Constructors' Championship. He's still very quick. We just need to pull everything together.

      Just 12 months ago we were ninth in the Constructors' Championship and could only dream of fifth place. Now that dream has become reality."