Williams has develop into the second Components 1 staff to disclose its new automobile for the upcoming season.
The staff held an occasion at Silverstone to current its Mercedes-powered FW47. The automobile has been revealed in what the staff calls a “bespoke one-off livery”. It should uncover its definitive livery at F1’s official pre-season launch occasion in London subsequent week.
Of their third 12 months beneath the management of staff principal James Vowles, Williams have made two vital modifications. The primary is the hiring of ex-Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz Jnr, a four-times grand prix winner. He takes the seat Logan Sargeant occupied in the beginning of final 12 months earlier than he was dropped at mid-season and changed by Franco Colapinto.
Sainz was chosen to drive the primary two laps within the FW47 on the quick model of the Silverstone circuit. “All the pieces went fantastic, which is nice information,” he stated afterwards. “An set up lap for a newly-born automobile is all the time a bit difficult, however every thing labored because it ought to and now we’re able to get into the run plan.”
His staff mate is Alexander Albon, who’s going into his fourth 12 months as a Williams driver.
The second main change on the staff is the arrival of the staff’s first title sponsor since 2019, Atlassian, which was introduced earlier this week. Vowles stated the significance of the staff’s first title sponsorship deal for 5 years shouldn’t be underestimated.
“Within the historical past of Williams that is by far – nothing, something near it – the most important partnership we’ve ever had,” he stated. “It’s most likely one of many greatest, full cease, within the sport or in sports activities.”
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The FW47 was designed beneath the brand new technical staff Vowles has put in place since he joined the staff from Mercedes. They embody chief technical officer Pat Fry and design director Matt Harman, each of whom joined the staff from Alpine.
Williams fell from seventh within the 2023 championship to ninth final 12 months, following a season dogged by crashes. Nonetheless Vowles stated the staff continues to be prioritising its long-term growth, the fruits of which he expects to start out seeing after this season.
“You’re going to see us progress forwards however what I’ve all the time stated is we’ve put our focus into ’26, ’27 and ’28,” he stated. “We’re growing components that come on-line on account of that. We now have this 12 months big infrastructure modifications that come on-line. We had 700 individuals, over 1,050 at the moment, and we’re not completed but. There’s much more within the pipeline.
“That’s all occurring within the background and what I need to make it possible for we’re doing will not be taking simply the short-term, little little bit of achieve at the price of long-term. We’re right here to verify we’re again to profitable championships. To do this will take somewhat bit extra time. However that’s the funding we’re doing.”
Photos: Sainz driving the FW47 at Silverstone
Video: Sainz driving the FW47 at Silverstone
Carlos Sainz Jnr places the primary two laps on Williams’ new FW47 on the quick observe at Silverstone.#F1 pic.twitter.com/3nmfWn5CCg
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