F1: Williams Launch Signal Classic Times Ahead

Second time lucky, Williams have launched their car in a low key ceremony Friday afternoon, after their VR app was hacked earlier that day. But the team is very different.

The new-look team hope this new car can lift them off the bottom of the table, maybe even score them a point. The FW43B, using Frank William’s initials, was revealed in white and blue livery, again, inspired by Williams of the past, with the new CEO Jost Capito stating; “it signposts our long-term ambition to return to the front”.

Williams are now fully under the new owners Dorilton Capital, after the founders Williams’ family sold the team in September. The legendary F1 team was founded by Frank Williams and engineer Patrick Head. From then on the team, with FW initialled cars, won seven drivers championships and nine constructors championships, along with 114 victories and 312 podiums.

But recently, the team has fallen dramatically from grace, not winning a Grand Prix since Pastor Maldonado in 2012, and not a podium since Lance Stroll in 2017. In fact, they have only managed to rack up one point in two seasons, their 2020 season being their first without a point. And 2021 looks to be another difficult one for the team, keeping George Russell, who made Q2 four times last season, may be a saving grace for the team. He again partners second year driver Nicolas Latifi.

“I think we are very hopeful we can continue to go forward. The car is definitely a step in the right direction…whether it’s enough, who knows.”

George Russell

Sporting a striking new livery that signals back to their long and successful livery, notably of the early 1990’s, Williams will be expected to make a leap forward after the £100m of cash injected since the takeover, which has included clearing debts.

“Williams Racing is an icon, and a team that has forged a reputation of success through determination and grit intertwined with innovation , passionate and skilful race craft and an absolute desire to win”.

Jost Capito, CEO

The car retains the Mercedes powerplant, and have worked on trying to find a stronger race performance out of the car, and have also announced that from 2022 onwards, they will also have Mercedes gearboxes too, strengthening their relationship with the Bracknell-based team.