Mind-Blowing Discovery: Why Williams' 2024 F1 Car Is Slower and Heavier Than Expected
This weekend marks a crucial turning point for the Williams F1 team as they embark on an ambitious project to shave off the excess weight that has been plaguing their 2024 car. With lap times suffering due to this extra bulk, the team is eager to initiate measures during the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix to reclaim their lost speed.
The Grove-based team has faced a rocky beginning to this year's campaign. Not only have they failed to earn a single point from the first six races, but the absence of a spare chassis has further compounded their woes. The tight deadlines for constructing the FW46 have left little room for error, and every gram of weight has become a critical factor in the race for performance.
The Weight Conundrum
Williams’ team principal, James Vowles, recently revealed the Herculean effort that went into reducing the weight of the car's chassis. “The transformation we did between 2023 to ‘24 was that we took 14 kilos out of the chassis,” Vowles explained. For those knowledgeable in the field, this weight reduction is nothing short of extraordinary. However, despite this success, the car remains slower by about 0.45 seconds per lap due to an overall increase in weight.
Heavier in the Wrong Places
The dilemma lies in the compromise Williams had to make. While they managed to cut down on the chassis weight, additional bulk was added in other areas to ensure reliability and performance. “When things get delayed, weight gets added as one of the fixes to get you back on track,” noted Vowles. Though the primary structure of the FW46 is now sleeker, the team had to load on weight elsewhere to stay competitive.
Albon’s Frustrations
Driver Alexander Albon, who has extended his contract with Williams, has felt the brunt of this weight issue. Despite his growing frustrations, Vowles had initially muted him, urging patience as the team worked to find solutions. “If you go back and look at timesheets, and take four and a half tenths off, you have a realization as to why Alex has been sat here frustrated, because I’ve muted him,” Vowles elaborated. The focus now is on moving forward and making tangible improvements.
Phase One: Imola
The first phase of weight reduction kicks off at Imola, with lighter components being introduced in Albon’s car. This initiative is merely the beginning of a series of tweaks and changes scheduled to unfold over the next six races. By initiating these changes now, Williams aims to get back on track and progressively improve lap times.
The Road Ahead
There's no denying the challenging road that lies ahead for Williams. Vowles conceded there are no guarantees that the team will reach the 798kg minimum weight limit by their home race at Silverstone, but steps are being taken to close the gap. “What’s not of interest to me is what’s happened. It’s how we move forward from this point onwards,” Vowles asserted, emphasizing the team's commitment to future improvements.
Conclusion
As the Williams team works diligently to shed the excess weight hampering their performance, this weekend's Emilia Romagna Grand Prix could mark the beginning of a turnaround. The task is monumental, but the dedication and strategic changes being implemented show that the team is determined to reclaim its competitive edge. With six races to demonstrate effective weight reduction, eyes will be on Williams to see how their efforts translate on the track.