Williams FW38 Mercedes Speculation Thread

[Sevach]

This reminds we very much of Mclaren before the 2013 season: last year of a set of (more-or-less stable) regulations and going for revolution because they have reached the end of the development path for a relatively competitive car...

Hope their 2016 is better than Mclaren's 2013!!

A bit different because Mclaren was the class of the field for the last couple of races of 2012.

And even though the rules are changing you don't forget what you learned.
Mercedes evolution under the old set of rules served as a starting point for what we have now.

Mclaren's problem was similar to what happened to Honda mid 2000's, they had a good car but didn't undertand why... it could win, it could get lapped (sometimes on the same day).

[FrukostScones]

Will they add the key?

the Batwing!

I think 70% chance, especially after Rob Smedly coments on the car having a sig. differnce to 2015 concept).
So I think they wil have it.

(pls refrain from saying it's the sum not the puzzle parts... thx)

[bill shoe]

Williams has been successful due to consistent lack of drama (at least nothing big enough to spill onto the track). Their political ducks have been kept in a row and they've gotten on with the job of executing in 2014/15. With success.

I think going to a new and challenging technical philosophy is the right move for 2016. Lots of stern heavy-hitters vying for 3rd and higher in constructors next year, especially a pissed-off RB. Solid design and consistent execution likely not good enough to keep 3rd again for Williams, much less allow them to move up.

Their current unique rear-end packaging/aero is a bit incompatible with a McLaren-type pinched/undercut rear-end. Wonder if Williams are going a bit size-zero themselves. The Mercedes engine and turbo packaging would certainly be conducive to that...

[turbof1]

(pls refrain from saying it's the sum not the puzzle parts... thx)

How about we meazily go around that, and tease you with saying "yo look mate, it's just a part of the chain man!"

In truth, their latest iteration of the front wing was a big change already. The rest will follow.

[rscsr]

Williams has been successful due to consistent lack of drama (at least nothing big enough to spill onto the track). Their political ducks have been kept in a row and they've gotten on with the job of executing in 2014/15. With success.

I think going to a new and challenging technical philosophy is the right move for 2016. Lots of stern heavy-hitters vying for 3rd and higher in constructors next year, especially a pissed-off RB. Solid design and consistent execution likely not good enough to keep 3rd again for Williams, much less allow them to move up.

Their current unique rear-end packaging/aero is a bit incompatible with a McLaren-type pinched/undercut rear-end. Wonder if Williams are going a bit size-zero themselves. The Mercedes engine and turbo packaging would certainly be conducive to that...

I doubt that they are going to make major changes to the car. 2017 will get different rules and I doubt that they are trying to change big parts for twice in 2 years.
I think McLaren tried it recently but fell completely flat.

[continuum16]

http://www.espn.co.uk/f1/story/_/id/142 ... erformance

I don't know how accurate this is, but I think that the idea is to change philosophy now (2016) so they will have a baseline concept for 2017. The reason why Mercedes still won with evolution this year is that they were so far ahead and Williams were similar. Next year if they want to win they can't afford to be conservative.

[Stalker1]

Good article from Continuum16. I also recommend it.

The biggest question for me about Williams is that do they understand the fundamental issues with chassis and suspension and is the 3-rd place prize money from previous and this years championship enough to fulfill their ideas in time?

[Sevach]

Makes sense, when you have a good grasp of the rules you know where you can push.
With new rules is more important to get everything working than it is to have one special ingredient.


I expect the "revolutionary" FW38 will be different sidepods concept/rear end and maybe some different guiding vanes on the front (Batwing included?), i don't expect pullrods or anything like that.
And i think lessons learned in those areas carry over, even if they might need adjustements with the wider cars and lower rear wing.

[Raleigh]

Yeah, I think the unusual Williams rear design with it's tight-fitting cut off short bodywork will be on it's way out. Based on their experiments this year (anyone remember the tested wings ahead of the rear wheels?) Williams is likely to ditch it's low drag approach to aero and aim for more downforce.

Which they need, will really help tire life and traction.

[FW17]

I hope they don't do something stupid like the fw35


So will they use a water air intercooler or are customers forbidden from using them by Merc?

[rscsr]

So will they use a water air intercooler or are customers forbidden from using them by Merc?

Force India is only using air to air intercooler because of the weight penalty, they can't afford. So the customers can use whatever they want.

[scarbs]

Another question for Williams aside its low set gearcase, will be the continued use of the cast alumnium gearcase. Prhaps it will move to Carbon or Ti ?

[trinidefender]

Another question for Williams aside its low set gearcase, will be the continued use of the cast alumnium gearcase. Prhaps it will move to Carbon or Ti ?

Was it ever confirmed that the gearbox is actually cast aluminum? Would a forging with further machining not be lighter and stronger, assuming of course they will be able to create the shapes required through forging?

Secondly are we sure it is in fact aluminum? If you can say with certainty that it is then I won't have a problem believing you, just was there any actual confirmation?

In our helicopter (and many others) the gearbox casing is made out of a magnesium alloy for its combination of lightness and strength.

[FW17]

So will they use a water air intercooler or are customers forbidden from using them by Merc?

Force India is only using air to air intercooler because of the weight penalty, they can't afford. So the customers can use whatever they want.

I find it strange that of the 4 teams that used a Merc engine not one tried to copy the works teams solution (what ever that is) which they would have been quiet aware of.

In fact Lotus team used a water air inter cooler with Renault

[scarbs]

Another question for Williams aside its low set gearcase, will be the continued use of the cast alumnium gearcase. Prhaps it will move to Carbon or Ti ?

Was it ever confirmed that the gearbox is actually cast aluminum? Would a forging with further machining not be lighter and stronger, assuming of course they will be able to create the shapes required through forging?

Secondly are we sure it is in fact aluminum? If you can say with certainty that it is then I won't have a problem believing you, just was there any actual confirmation?

In our helicopter (and many others) the gearbox casing is made out of a magnesium alloy for its combination of lightness and strength.

Yes cast Alu. never heard of forgings being used for F1 cases .