Mercedes cooling issue at the center of Williams problems?

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A cooling issue linked to its Mercedes power unit is apparently the root cause for Williams drastic under-performance so far this season.

The Grove-based outfit's new FW41, which many saw as a bold and impressive design when it was launched, has its drivers lingering at the back of the field, unable to deliver on the British team's expectations.

According to Auto Motor und Sport, the car conceived under the guidance of Williams' technical director Paddy Lowe is suffering from fundamental cooling issues.

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"Paddy Lowe wanted to copy the cooling system of his former team Mercedes, but the concept is complicated and apparently Williams made a mistake," correspondent Michael Schmidt explained.

"Now the bodywork has to be opened up completely and that costs a lot of downforce."

Schmidt speculates that Williams may be reaching out to Mercedes in a bid to solve its troubles, basing his assumption on a paddock converstation he witnessed in China between Lawrence Stroll, Lance Stroll's father, and Mercedes motorsport boss Toto Wolff.

"If we solve the cooling problem, we'll gain 8 tenths in one fell swoop,” a Williams engineer was quoted as saying by Schmidt.

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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.