Williams Racing chief James Vowles has explained why the team has chosen to deviate from the traditional practice of testing its latest Formula 1 car at Silverstone. Instead, the FW46 will have its on-track debut in Bahrain just before the start of pre-season testing. Vowles cited the unpredictable weather conditions in England as a reason for this decision, as well as the team’s desire to push the boundaries in the development of their 2024 car. By conducting their initial runs in the more stable desert environment of Bahrain, Williams hopes to address any issues and avoid disruptions to their pre-season schedule.
Vowles acknowledged that the team had intentionally delayed the development of their 2024 car, focusing instead on their previous model until March or April. He emphasized the significant changes and technological advancements in the new car, which have posed challenges for the organization. Williams took calculated risks in order to improve their performance, but Vowles expressed satisfaction with the outcome. He explained that it is impossible to make all the necessary changes simultaneously without taking substantial risks. Despite the car’s late arrival in Bahrain, Vowles believes it was worth prioritizing virtual track testing over a physical shakedown at Silverstone. He expressed mixed feelings about Silverstone, highlighting both the potential benefits and drawbacks of testing there. By dedicating their time to virtual track testing and saving the second filming day for later in the year, Williams aims to maximize their testing opportunities and utilize Bahrain as a starting point for their car’s development.
The team based in Grove is striving to improve upon a successful season last year, where they achieved seventh place in the Constructors’ Championship with a total of 28 points. Although Vowles admits that the FW46 has drawn inspiration from the designs of their competitors, he emphasizes the importance of understanding the inner workings of these components before attempting to replicate them.
“While some of the features may be familiar from other successful cars, it is crucial to clarify that we are not simply copying,” he explained. “I made it clear to our team that everything should be approached through experimentation, design, testing, and then implementation. If this leads us to a similar outcome as other cars, then so be it.
“However, our approach is not to blindly mimic other cars and hope to grasp the intricacies of their aerodynamics. The appearance of our car will be distinct, but it will undoubtedly demonstrate an evolutionary progression. It is challenging to deviate too far from the established norms.”
According to the Source motorsportweek.com