The Williams FW46 has been revealed
Here is an interview with james vowels about the new car
Williams does what Red Bull has done in the last two years. First the paintwork, then the car. The new FW46 is finished so late that there is not even enough time for a presentation on the big stage. The car is sent to Bahrain immediately after its completion and completes its film day there one day before the start of winter testing.
Williams was the first team to stop development on its car during the 2023 season. "We have been working on the new car since March," confirms Team Principal James Vowles. The last upgrade was made to the FW45 at the British GP. The fact that the British racing team still finished seventh despite the narrow program was a gift from the weakening competition. And also thanks to Alexander Albon, who Vowles attests champion qualities.
Williams took a long time to build its new car for two reasons. Firstly, the chassis of the FW46 was built using new technologies, which was a feat for the third-oldest racing team in Formula 1 in view of the outdated tools. And secondly, the aerodynamicists took a completely new approach to the concept.
Vowles gave his engineers the task of building an all-rounder with more good-natured handling. And they actually seem to have succeeded. Albon immediately noticed on the simulator: "The new car feels completely different. I had to adapt my driving style for it." The Thai driver believes that his team-mate Logan Sargeant will also benefit from this. "Because the car is more predictable."
The team boss encouraged his technical department, which has been headed by Pat Fry since the fall: "I told them that they should dare to do something. If we fail, then I will take the blame. If we don't take a new path, then we'll stay where this team has been for the last ten years. We can't be satisfied with seventh or eighth place in the medium term. That's why we've taken full risks everywhere."
Change from Pullrod to Pushrod?
According to Vowles, the Williams FW46 will bear a different signature than its predecessors. If one or two details look familiar because they resemble a Red Bull, it is not because they have been clumsily copied. "If we have come up with a solution here and there that is reminiscent of other cars, it is because our research has shown it to be the best. In the past, we simply copied things and then tried to understand how they work."
A big secret is being kept about the rear of the car. At the front axle, the FW46 remains true to the proven pushrod concept. "We don't want to reveal what we're doing at the rear yet," regrets Vowles. This is not only due to the fact that the transmission and rear axle are sourced from Mercedes and they do not want to pre-empt their technology partner.
Apparently there are far-reaching changes at the rear. Our gut feeling would suggest a switch from the pullrod to pushrod concept, as used by Red Bull, McLaren and Alpine. But perhaps Mercedes has also unearthed something completely new, such as a rocker arm solution.
https://www.auto-motor-und-sport.de/for ... nterachse/
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