Williams will bring an update to the track at the British Grand Prix – The new parts will only be fitted to Alexander Albon’s car
Williams has developed new parts for its FW44 Formula One car at its base in Grove, UK. The new aerodynamics are to be used as early as the British Grand Prix at Silverstone, but only on Alexander Albon’s car. Nicolas Latifi will continue to race with the older specification.
The traditional racing team had set its sights on relinquishing the red lantern when the new Formula 1 rules were introduced in 2022, but things have not really gone their way for the team so far. Albon, who joined the team as a replacement for George Russell, has scored three points so far, while Latifi has come away empty-handed.
The new update is intended to increase the competitiveness of the FW44: For this purpose, a new underbody has been developed and the bodywork has also been adapted. This should make it possible for Albon to fight for points at Silverstone. The Briton with Thai roots will get the package installed alone to confirm that the update is bearing fruit, according to Williams development boss Dave Robson.
He says: “The bodywork and underbody form the basis of the upgrade and are designed to efficiently increase the downforce of the car. We are looking forward to our home race and will try to understand the new parts. They will change the balance and handling of the car, so it will take the drivers some time to get the maximum out of it.”
Silverstone is considered a real challenge for the new Formula One cars as the fast corners put the focus on downforce. Robson says the circuit is also very hard on tyres, so tyre wear and management will also play important roles. He will therefore be looking for a way to set up the car as best as possible for the conditions.
“The front left tyres are very stressed because of the fast right-hand corners” explains the Williams technical expert. “So you have to be careful there in those corners and use the aerodynamic balance as well as the mechanical balance so they support each other. That way you can prevent the left front tyre from wearing out too quickly. “
