F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Williams delivers big changes to FW40 in Hungary test

In a bid to boost the decreasing performance of its FW40, Williams will implement some big changes to its car which will be trialed in this week's in-season test in Hungary.

The Grove-based outfit has been losing ground recently to its mid-field rivals, and while it's still fifth in the Constructors' standings, reviving the car's pace is necessary to remain ahead of close followers Toro Rosso, Haas and Renault.

The changes, labeled as experimental but significant by Williams tech boss Paddy Lowe, involve both aerodynamic and mechanical modifications.

"There are some fairly significant bits that we're trying," said Lowe.

"We're doing some interesting bits of R&D. Some are relevant for this year, but some are things we need to learn and understand for next year. There's some important work going on, actually.

"It's a set of experiments, that's the best way to put it, which is how we always conduct our testing. Where that leaves us in terms of what we take racing is a downstream consideration."

The Hungarian GP last weekend was another reality test for Williams, which knew beforehand that its car would likely struggle on the tight, twisty and low-downforce lay-out.

"I just said to the guys that's a good weekend to motivate us to make a quicker car," explains Lowe.

"I think that's the best way to sum it up – we've got a lot of work to do, and we need to be better than that. And we can be better that. So that's what we'll go away and do.

"There's a pretty clear pattern, we're not performing as we should at what you would call the max downforce circuits, so those are Monaco, Hungary and Singapore.

But I'm never one to give up before we've got there, so we'll see what we can do for Singapore. A lot of it is about fundamental design aspects that we'll have to wait for another year."

As Felipe Massa recovers from his illness, Lance Stroll has bee entrusted with testing today in Budapest while rookie Luca Ghiotto will take over duties tomorrow.

Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

 

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.

Recent Posts

Williams' Boutsen hoists the mainsail in Adelaide

On this day in 1989, Williams' Thierry Boutsen secured his second F1 win when he…

55 mins ago

Horner: Max 'answered critics' with epic Sao Paulo GP drive

Red Bull team principal Christian Horner hailed Max Verstappen’s sensational Sao Paulo Grand Prix victory…

2 hours ago

Sainz left puzzled by double crash drama in rainy São Paulo

Carlos Sainz was left scratching his head after a disastrous Sunday at the Sao Paulo…

3 hours ago

Alonso pushed through agonizing pain to complete Sao Paulo GP

Fernando Alonso braved both physical agony and mechanical challenges in the Sao Paulo Grand Prix,…

4 hours ago

Alpine double-podium in Brazil could deliver $30 million windfall

Alpine’s remarkable double podium at the São Paulo Grand Prix with Esteban Ocon and Pierre…

19 hours ago

F1i's Driver Ratings for the 2024 São Paulo GP

Alexander Albon, Williams (Did Not Start): 5.5/10 Alex Albon is definitely going through something of…

20 hours ago