Williams won't sacrifice 2020 car to prepare for 2021 rules

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Williams has no intention of "writing off" its 2020 season to better prepare for the introduction in 2021 of Formula 1's new regulation package.

F1 teams will be burdened next year with the development of their current cars as well as with the all-new design of their 2021-spec contenders, a double undertaking that will stress both financial and human resources for the Grove-based outfit.

Given its limited budget, Williams will need to manage it funds and assets accordingly, but senior race engineer Dave Robson has dismissed the prospect of allocating early on the bulk of its resources to its 2021 programme.

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"Now we’ve got a much better understanding of the regs for 2021 then we need to sit down and time exactly how we go about it," Robson said, quoted by RaceFans.

Following two dismal seasons during which its drivers have been a fixture at the tail end of the field, Williams is determined to improve its fortunes next season while also preparing for F1's new era.

"Yes we want to make next year’s car quick," acknowledged Robson. "But the key bit is understanding why it’s quick.

"Then actually all the learning we do next year is still applicable, even though the regs change, the physics and the interaction of how the whole car works is still the same.

"So as long as we can understand that and make sure that the tools back at the factory are delivering on-track, and work as is expected, I still think a lot of effort going into next year will still work in 2021.

"Undoubtedly we’re going to work out how to divide the resources up. But you would never write next year off.

"We’ve got to prove to ourselves and to everyone else that what we’ve done this year was correct and if it is and we can keep developing that, that will still help the development of the 2021 car.

"So we’re definitely not writing off next year."

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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.