Williams Racing, a Formula 1 team, has focused on developing a versatile car that performs well on all types of tracks for the 2024 season. Despite finishing at the bottom of the standings in 2022, the team had a strong season in 2023, accumulating 28 points and securing seventh place in the Constructors’ Championship. Williams capitalized on the strength of its FW45 challenger on low-downforce circuits, with driver Alex Albon achieving seventh-place finishes in Canada and Monza. However, the team’s goal for 2024 is to be competitive at all tracks, not just a few specific ones.
Williams’ team boss, James Vowles, emphasized the importance of creating a car that performs well across a variety of track types. He stated that relying on weaknesses to overcome strengths is not a true measure of a car’s performance. Instead, the focus has been on developing an aerodynamic package and improving vehicle dynamics and performance. The goal is to have a car that is strong everywhere, not just in certain conditions.
Despite the progress made by Williams in the previous season, driver Alex Albon acknowledged that the team’s potential was limited by certain inherent limitations in the car. He described the car’s behavior as difficult and mentioned that it affected the team’s performance on the track. However, Albon pointed out that the car’s potential was showcased at the Zandvoort circuit, where it performed well. He emphasized that the car’s base package is not bad and has a good amount of downforce, but it is hindered by other factors.
Vowles, who took over as team boss before the previous season, emphasized the importance of teamwork in the team’s rebuild. He explained that the success of the car depends on the collective effort of the entire team, rather than one individual. Bringing together the right people and fostering a sense of shared responsibility has been crucial in moving the team in the right direction. This approach has led to productive discussions about the team’s future direction.