Addressing 2023’s challenges, Williams F1, led by Dave Robson, identified critical wheel lock-up issues. Their thorough analysis post-Bahrain revealed crucial aerodynamic factors impacting the FW45’s performance.
Williams F1 quickly understood the issues with its car in 2023, as explained by the head of performance, Dave Robson.
The team swiftly detected wheel lock-ups, then focused on understanding this recurring problem.
“Leaving Bahrain, we knew our limits, the tendency to lock the inner front wheel seemed quite high,” Robson stated.
“And it can be very costly, also somewhat dependent on the wind, a factor to which Williams remains particularly sensitive.”
“However, based on the Bahrain tests, we were able to produce some of the parts we had already designed, keeping this in mind. So, we saw steady improvement in the first few races, but it’s still a bit of an Achilles’ heel for us.”
Williams FW45 Struggles with Downforce Issues
But Williams struggled to pinpoint issues with the FW45, realizing that lack of downforce during braking was to blame: “Part of the problem is that we don’t exactly know what it is.”
“I think it’s, as always with these kinds of things, a combination of everything. We probably can’t put as much front aerodynamic downforce on the car at this stage as we would like.”
“There’s obviously a lot to gain from running a relatively stiff car and once you trigger that lock-up, it has an aerodynamic effect in itself, and you find yourself a bit in a spiral.”
“But I think it’s something we have a good handle on, and that’s what we’ve done over the last two years. We’ll see in February if we understand it or not. But we’ve taken some decent steps, I think, to try and improve it on next year’s car.”
Note: Williams has just announced the time for the unveiling of their new car next Monday, February 5th. It will take place at 9:40 AM in New York.
2024 F1 Official Presentation Dates
| Date | Team | Event Description | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2 February | Haas F1 | VF-24 Launch (livery, online) | Online |
| 5 February | Williams F1 | FW46 Launch | New York |
| 5 February | Stake F1 Team | Car Launch | London |
| 7 February | Alpine F1 | A524 Launch | Location TBD |
| 8 February | Visa Cash App Racing | Car Launch | Las Vegas |
| 11 February | Haas F1 | VF-24 Shakedown | – |
| 12 February | Aston Martin F1 | AMR24 Launch | Silverstone |
| 13 February | Ferrari | SF-24 Launch | Maranello |
| 14 February | Mercedes F1 | W15 Launch | Silverstone |
| 14 February | McLaren F1 | MCL38 Launch | Location TBD |
| 15 February | Red Bull Racing | RB20 Launch | Location TBD |
Williams F1 Car Issues 2024 : Unlocking the Wheel Lock-up Problem. Williams F1 Car Issues 2024 : Unlocking the Wheel Lock-up Problem
