Williams F1 Introduces New Upgrades for China GP

As Williams F1 returns to Shanghai, the team unveils new aerodynamic upgrades, aiming to overcome recent challenges at the Chinese Grand Prix.

Williams F1 is trying to break its challenging streak, following several accidents that have placed the team in a tricky logistical situation. However, the team can now focus on the track, as explained by performance director Dave Robson, who outlines the challenges of this weekend’s Chinese Grand Prix.

“Returning to Shanghai for the first Sprint of 2024 is an exciting challenge,” admits Robson. “The circuit retains its excellent mix of turns and the very long back straight. The layout is demanding for drivers, cars, and tires, with the first complex of turns making for a tricky start to the lap.”

“The fast combination of turns 7 and 8 continues to work the tires before the slower section leading finally to the back straight. The tire compounds are in the middle of the Pirelli range and should suit the circuit well, with the C4 requiring some management but the C2 offering much more durability at the expense of some pace.”

“Facing this circuit for the first time since 2019 and having only one practice session before the Sprint sessions will not be easy, but it’s an opportunity we relish. For 2024, the Sprint competition rules have been updated and we aim to use these changes to maximize the performance of the FW46.”

“The preparations for the weekend have gone well, with both drivers doing productive work in the simulator and the entire team working hard to replenish our parts inventory.”

The Grove team has done an excellent job as they managed to manufacture two new front wings for Alex Albon and Logan Sargeant, after both were destroyed in Japan: “Despite ongoing efforts to recover from recent attrition, we have also been able to bring an aerodynamic update for this event.”

“Alex will run with a revised Halo fairing and both cars will use the new front wing that we introduced in Japan. It’s great to be back in China and we look forward to tackling the combined challenge of the circuit, the event format, and the weather in Shanghai.”

Albon is “extremely grateful.”

Alex Albon appreciates the team’s efforts to approach the China GP in a normal way: “The last few weeks have been tough for the team, but everyone has worked tirelessly at the factory to get us back on track and prepare for China, and I am extremely grateful for their work.”

“We are heading to China for the first Sprint event of the season, on a circuit where many of us have not raced for over five years, and for Logan, it will be the first time.”

“In preparation, we have both been busy in the simulator, working hard to better understand how the car might behave on the circuit, with a tricky first sector and one of the longest straights on the calendar. As it is a Sprint weekend with limited practice sessions, we will strive to make the most of this format and try to capitalize on this limited number of tests.”

Logan Sargeant will be one of four drivers discovering the Shanghai circuit: “I am very excited to race in China for the first time. I used the simulator at Grove between races to familiarize myself with the circuit. As it’s the first Sprint weekend of the season, we are very limited in terms of running.”

“Like everyone, we must make the most of the one-hour practice session to understand the circuit and tune the car as best as possible. I’m sure the weekend will be full of opportunities, since it’s a Sprint, so we just have to position ourselves correctly to seize them.”