Williams takes a leaf out of Tyrrell's design book

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In 1982, Williams designer Patrick Head revisited Tyrrell's previous concept of the six-wheel Formula 1 car.

While the Tyrrell's P34 was designed with two small wheels at the front, Head opted for a four-wheel drive concept at the rear, an approach destined to benefit traction but also downforce by extending the free flow of air all the way to the rear axle.

Unfortunately, the FIA banned six-wheel cars, alleging that the concept would drive up costs and cause chaos during pitstops.

According to Head, the car's traction out of the corners was phenomenal.

But the radical design suffered from one major issue: the car was just too "bloody heavy", according to the Williams' engineer.

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.