FW46 Aims to Replicate Last Year's Zandvoort Success

Williams F1 gears up for a pivotal upgrade at Zandvoort, eyeing a repeat of last year’s success.

Alex Albon is eager to return to the cockpit at Zandvoort this weekend, after a four-week hiatus during which he recharged. The Williams F1 driver has fond memories of the Netherlands and is hopeful of recapturing strong performances.

“I feel well-rested and ready to get back to racing after a pleasant summer break, and Zandvoort is always a fantastic race, with the fans bringing great energy to the weekend,” declared the Thai driver.

“As for the circuit, it always presents challenges, as it’s quite a technical track with several banked turns and an increased risk of tyre degradation, but last year, we performed well.”

“We had one of our best qualifying sessions of the year. Moreover, we are bringing upgrades to the car this weekend, so I am looking forward to testing them and seeing how the FW46 performs.”

Logan Sargeant has also recharged to face what could be the last half-season of his Formula 1 career: “I spent a few weeks resting and recharging with my family and friends during the holidays.”

“I’m ready to get back in the FW46 and into the race. Zandvoort isn’t the easiest track to overtake, but it definitely has an old-school feel with its narrowness and fluid, fast nature.”

“I am eager to experience the atmosphere created by the fans, as it’s one of the best circuits on the calendar. As a team, we will look to understand the improvements we are introducing this weekend and how the car will perform.”

Fond Memories from 2023 for Smeets

Sven Smeets, the sporting director, also holds Zandvoort in high regard: “After a much-needed break for the whole team, we are eager to resume racing and Zandvoort is an ideal place to start a double-header of races.”

“It’s a fantastic circuit with flowing turns, but what makes the place unique is the atmosphere that the fans create throughout the weekend,” he continues, before noting that Williams could make progress this weekend, thanks to developments.

“Last year, the race was a real rollercoaster, as we started from fourth on the grid with Alex, before dropping to the back of the pack after some rain, and finishing in eighth place.”

“This year, we are bringing one of our most significant upgrades to Zandvoort and will therefore need time to understand the behaviour and performance of the FW46. We look forward to what will hopefully be another good weekend at Zandvoort.”