Photo: Williams Racing/autoevolution
Williams Racing is one of the oldest serving teams in Formula 1, and even though they’ve had a run of poor form in recent years, 2023 was somewhat of a success for them as the outfit finished seventh in the Constructors Standings with 28 points. They were ahead of AlphaTauri, Alfa Romeo and Haas, with Alexander Albon showcasing his talent in the best way possible.
Albon secured 27 of the team’s 28 points, which is why he’s currently being considered by Mercedes-AMG as a replacement for Lewis Hamilton come next year.
This season, I fully expect Williams not just to keep their form from 2023, but improve on it. Why? Because they shut down development for last year’s car midway through the season, if not earlier, to focus on this new FW46.
According to team principal James Vowles, the FW46 should have more pace than its predecessor, featuring multiple improvements to vehicle dynamics.
Well, the wait is finally over, kind of, because we’re looking at the new FW46, albeit just in a somewhat generic form, while wearing the all-new official livery. I know it’s yet another underwhelming reveal, but alas, this is the world we live in now. Every single team (most of them anyway) thinks it’s best if they hold off revealing their final design until the last possible moment.
I can understand why Red Bull would want to do this, but Williams? I doubt anybody’s looking to copy their car – certainly not this early in the year anyway.
“It is a significant milestone to unveil the 2024 livery at an iconic location in New York City,” said Vowles during the launch event; which took place at Puma’s flagship store on Fifth Avenue.
“Since joining Williams Racing a year ago, I’ve seen this team pull together to overcome a number of challenges and claim seventh in the Constructors’ Championship, which meant a great deal for everyone involved. We’ve also shown the world that we’re building the foundations for moving forward,” he concluded.
Anyway, the real FW46 is scheduled to make its track debut at a promotional filming day in Bahrain on February 20, ahead of pre-season testing (which kicks off at the same track, the following day).
As for which 2024 livery looks best, out of the ones that have already been unveiled, I’ll have to go with McLaren’s design, by far. Meanwhile, between this livery and the one unveiled last week for the Haas VF-24, I actually think the Haas design is more dynamic, with better contrast.
What Williams are doing from a visual standpoint is rather bland. But at least they’re getting to be pretty darn good on the track.
This season, I fully expect Williams not just to keep their form from 2023, but improve on it. Why? Because they shut down development for last year’s car midway through the season, if not earlier, to focus on this new FW46.
According to team principal James Vowles, the FW46 should have more pace than its predecessor, featuring multiple improvements to vehicle dynamics.
Well, the wait is finally over, kind of, because we’re looking at the new FW46, albeit just in a somewhat generic form, while wearing the all-new official livery. I know it’s yet another underwhelming reveal, but alas, this is the world we live in now. Every single team (most of them anyway) thinks it’s best if they hold off revealing their final design until the last possible moment.
I can understand why Red Bull would want to do this, but Williams? I doubt anybody’s looking to copy their car – certainly not this early in the year anyway.
“It is a significant milestone to unveil the 2024 livery at an iconic location in New York City,” said Vowles during the launch event; which took place at Puma’s flagship store on Fifth Avenue.
“Since joining Williams Racing a year ago, I’ve seen this team pull together to overcome a number of challenges and claim seventh in the Constructors’ Championship, which meant a great deal for everyone involved. We’ve also shown the world that we’re building the foundations for moving forward,” he concluded.
So, when can I see the real FW46?
You know what? You’re entitled to ask that. Because this livery reveal trend is getting to be kind of boring. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t mind a nice livery, but ultimately, we’re all interested in the actual car design, and having to wait another few weeks for it can be a bit frustrating.Anyway, the real FW46 is scheduled to make its track debut at a promotional filming day in Bahrain on February 20, ahead of pre-season testing (which kicks off at the same track, the following day).
As for which 2024 livery looks best, out of the ones that have already been unveiled, I’ll have to go with McLaren’s design, by far. Meanwhile, between this livery and the one unveiled last week for the Haas VF-24, I actually think the Haas design is more dynamic, with better contrast.
What Williams are doing from a visual standpoint is rather bland. But at least they’re getting to be pretty darn good on the track.
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