New car presentations: Williams FW46

Unlike many other teams, there were no major changes at Williams. Same management, same composition, same change in car numbering – the new FW46 was among the first to be shown, presenting computer renderings on the team’s official website on February 5.

The photos were even posted a little earlier than the promised deadline, but honestly, almost everyone was waiting for them to be published.

The team finished the 2023 season in a best seventh place in the last six years in the Constructors’ Championship. It will be difficult to count on more, but we can hope, especially against the background of changes among our rivals.

Williams limited itself to an online presentation, on SkySport F1 (a little earlier) and on the official YouTube channel (a little later). The team named New York as the location for the presentation, but all videos were pre-filmed in a British studio and some quotes from management were from last year but were watered down by current comments.

At the presentation, a new partner was separately presented: Komatsu, which signed a multi-year contract, a manufacturer of large construction equipment.

Photo Gallery: Williams FW 46 Presentation

James VowlesTeam boss: “We are presenting the 2024 car livery in New York, and this is a very important moment. Our team spent many months building the FW46, and everyone at Grove worked hard to make this year’s car possible.

We plan to build on the pace we built last season and our drivers, Alex Albon and Logan Sargent, can regularly compete for points and are also tasked with helping the team improve its technology.

I joined Williams Racing a year ago and saw how the team tried to work together to overcome various difficulties and achieve 7th place in the Constructors’ Championship, which was very important for everyone. We have also shown the world that we are laying the foundation for further progress.

We continue to strengthen the team, both on and off the track, by improving infrastructure, investing in our team and attracting new partners such as Komatsu.

Of course, there is a long road ahead that we have to travel together, but I know that our fans, partners and everyone who works at the Grove base are joining forces, creating a new history for this legendary team. This will take time, but to achieve success in the coming years, everyone’s help now is essential. I am very curious to see what the coming season has in store for us.”

At the presentation of the new Williams car, the team’s drivers said they were optimistic about the new season…

Alex Albon: “After a very positive season, we hope to build on this progress in 2024 and work hard to take some important steps forward.

We asked a lot of the team and our employees at the base to bring the car to the desired level, we have adjusted the philosophy slightly. What’s interesting now is to see if we can improve on some of the features that have hindered us in the past. It will require a different driving style, but I am convinced it will be a change for the better.”

Logan Sargent: “After unveiling this beautiful livery, I am looking forward to getting behind the wheel of the FW46 and continuing my development. I have had a productive off-season and am well prepared for the upcoming championship, both physically and psychologically. Last year I gained important experience that will help me this season.

I know my goals for this year. I want to build on the progress I have made since joining the Williams Racing family. I want to contribute more to the team’s success. Everyone at Grove worked tirelessly over the winter break to develop the FW46. I am grateful to them for the hard work and support they have given me.”

Technical characteristics of FW46

Chassis: Monocoque made of carbon fiber and porous composite materials, meeting FIA requirements for strength and safety.

Front suspension: double wishbones, push rod interacting with springs, stabilizer bar.

Rear suspension: double wishbones, spring link and stabilizer bar.

Transfer: Mercedes-AMG F1 8-speed semi-automatic sequential gearbox with stepless shifting, one reverse gear and electro-hydraulic shifting system. Carbon fiber gearbox housing.

Carbon multi-disc clutch.

Hydraulic shock absorbers.

Standard wheels.

Tyres: Pirelli. Front: 305/720-18, rear: 405/720-18.

Brakes: Brembo, 6-piston brake calipers front and rear. Carbon fiber discs and pads.

Electronics: homologated standard FIA SECU electronic control unit.

Cooling system: aluminum radiators for cooling the engine, ERS and gearbox.

Cockpit: six-point belts 75 mm wide and the HANS system, removable anatomically shaped carbon fiber seat.

PowerPoint: Mercedes-AMG F1 M14 E performance.

Direct fuel injection system (maximum pressure 500 bar, one injector per cylinder). Single-stage exhaust gas compressor and turbine driven by a single shaft; maximum rotational speed of the turbine is 125,000 rpm.

ERS system: produced by Mercedes-AMG HPP

Dimensions and weight: the weight complies with the minimum limit set by the FIA; height: 970 mm, width: 2000 mm.