Williams F1 introduces a third chassis in Miami, signaling a pivotal upgrade ahead of the Imola race.
Williams F1 could finally get its 2024 season back on track, starting with logistics and perhaps performance next.
The British team, which has slipped to the back of the grid in recent years, had high hopes for the new season as James Vowles oversaw the transition to a much more complex car and internal processes.
Vowles, the team principal who had left Mercedes F1, admits it was a risk.
“I told the team to have confidence,” he said in Miami.
“If we fail, I’ll take the blame.”
“Because if we hadn’t taken a new path, we would simply have stayed where this team has been for the past ten years.”
In line with Vowles’ fears, the 2024 car with a Mercedes engine was significantly delayed, the team fell behind in the production of spare parts, and then the drivers began crashing and damaging the only two monocoques produced.
Finally in Miami, a third Williams chassis is ready.
“It’s not here yet,” said Alex Albon yesterday, “but it’s about to arrive at the circuit. It’ll be good to know there’s a sort of safety net.”
“Everything is improving with the spare parts, and things are getting better on the chassis side. I hope we can now focus more on updates and the overall development of the car.”
Indeed, the car is still lacking pace.
“Our car wasn’t fast enough in China. It was obvious,” continues Vowles.
However, good news for Williams, the first real improvements are about to be added to the FW46, which, like its rivals Alpine and Stake F1, has yet to score a single point in 2024.
“We’ve managed to put some new parts on the car here, and we’ve planned a major upgrade for Imola.”
Williams F1 Gears Up with New Chassis for Miami Race. Williams F1 Gears Up with New Chassis for Miami Race
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