Williams reveal their car ahead of the 2024 season in a presentation hosted by Will Buxton earlier today.
The car features more exposed carbon compared to last year’s design, continuing a trend that began in 2023 as a way for teams to save as much weight as possible. It also features two different shades of blue, intended to represent the heritage of the team with a navy to a more vibrant shade to represent a more competitive future.
Komatsu return as partners of Williams for the first time since the 1990’s as they are displayed along the car’s sidepods, where they are joined by MyProtein.
Williams have also appeared to have changed the design of their steering wheel, finally joining the rest of the grid in integrating an LCD screen into the wheel itself.
Alex Albon had a very successful 2023 as Williams climbed to 7th in the Constructor’s Championship compared to 10th in 2022. He anticipates that the FW46 may very well require a new driving style, and that he feels “[the team] have definitely done a good job”, but doesn’t “want to talk a big game too early”.
His teammate Logan Sargeant struggled in comparison last year, only scoring 1 point compared to Albon’s 27. However, the American is confident he can make strides to improve going into 2024.
“I think having that break in the off-season to really get myself in the right place physically, mentally, emotionally, to start to reflect on the places I could have been a lot better, to ultimately make that step I know I can make.
“The driving style will need to change, but I think we’re already starting to do that on the simulator and it feels like a nicer car to drive.”
7th place in the championship is William’s highest finish since 2017, and whilst it has been a massive step forward for the historic team, Team Principal James Vowles is more ambitious, stating that “As harsh as it sounds… seventh doesn’t mean a tremendous amount to me. We’ve done a good job, not a great job.
“Here’s what excellence looks like, and here’s the gap we’ve got to fulfil. You’re not going to do that in one year, it’s simply not possible. But we will get there, because the perseverance, the belief, the passion is at the highest level.”
Williams aren’t the only team revealing their 2024 car today, as the newly rebranded Stake F1 Team will show off their challenger for the upcoming season as well.
