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A TRUSTED POWER SUPPLY
The Williams FW38 uses the same Mercedes PU106C power unit that propels the works W07, Force India VJM09 and Manor MRT05. The German manufacturer has stuck to its original split-turbo design, with the compressor featuring at the front of the plant while the turbine sits at the rear.
The periscope-shaped air intake system dives towards the front of the engine and feeds air to the compressor, which means the oil tank had to be hollowed out to free up the required space within the V6 engine.
Once the air has been compressed, the boost pipework channels it to the intercooler. A similar layout can be spotted on the Force India and Manor, with both cars housing the intercooler in their sidepods. As a reminder, the same element slots within the monocoque itself on the title-winning Mercedes W07.
Once it has been cooled down, the air is then sent back to the V6 via a large duct that splits into two in order to feed each three-cylinder bank.
