TECH: Williams introduce its first comprehensive upgrade package of 2024

Williams have arrived at Round 15 of the 2024 F1 season with several key upgrades, expecting their FW46 to display a more encouraging performance than in the first half of the year.

Williams have introduced a comprehensive upgrade package on the opening day at the Dutch Grand Prix which marks the first time that the Grove-based outfit has brought a new package this season.

The upgrade package is centred around a heavily-revised floor. The new floor features an updated geometry while its rear expansion, the diffusor has also been revised.

The upgraded FW46 sports new sidepods that feature a longer flatter top section and those, in tandem with a new engine cover, compliment the floor changes.

Moreover Williams has also revised the main roll hoop geometry to save weight which has been hindering the team’s performance since the start of the season.

Williams Chief Technical Officer Pat Fry outlined three key areas the Groved-based wanted to improve with its first comprehensive upgrade package.

“We’ve got a completely new design of floor bodywork. We have also taken weight out of the roll structure at the top of the car.”

“All in all, it’s a sensible upgrade package. There is a huge amount of work that has gone in design - all the way in manufacturing to get it here. It’s a good effort. We have got both cars on that spec, and we have got spares, so that’s all good performance-wise.

“Performance comes from three different areas. Now we have got the weight saving which is just easy performance to bank. There is a sensible downforce level increase.

“But also the aero characteristic has changed, so if you like, the driveabiliy of the car will be improved. So all in all, we have been working, trying to understand that characteristic, see how things work in the simulator,” noted Fry.