Lowe explains why Williams doesn't get blasted like McLaren

Williams partner Paddy Lowe believes the Grove-based outfit's values and sense of humility have protected it from being torn apart by critics, contrary to its rival McLaren.

As two of Formula 1's most successful and enduring outfits on the grid, Williams and McLaren have found themselves relegated to the tail end of the grid amid a multi-year winless streak for both teams.

While McLaren has come under heavy scrutiny - and criticism - for its persistent under-performance, Williams appears to avoid the media's often ruthless reproval.

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For Lowe, the reason lies in the team's DNA, and that of its founder Sir Frank Williams.

"You've got to look at the team and what it represents, and particularly look at Frank and what he created," said Lowe.

"It's a very well respected team. Frank's approach, his values, the way he's approached motor racing, is instilled in the team and continued by Claire in a great way – a sense of sportsmanship and humility around what we do.

"I met Frank once in a hotel lobby when I was at McLaren and they'd had a really bad day, 10 or more years ago, and I said, 'Sorry about your bad day Frank'. He said, 'We were tested and found wanting'. That's his attitude," added the Williams technical director.

"There are others that have less humility, who blame anything else but themselves when having a bad day.

"I think people sort of respect and sympathise with our position when things aren't going well. And they then don't tend to bail in and tear us apart."

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