Williams rolls out updated FW45 for Albon in Montreal

Williams will field an updated FW45 in Montreal this weekend, but Alex Albon will be the sole recipient of the changes.

The Grove-based outfit heads to Canada determined to improve on its results year-to-date, having so far scored but a single top-ten finish in 2023, thanks to Albon in Bahrain.

"The track in Montreal should play slightly more to the strengths of the FW45 than Monaco and Barcelona did," said Williams' head of vehicle performance Dave Robson.

"Furthermore, we have several upgraded components available this week, which will run on Alex’s car only.

"We expect to be more competitive, but we will take our time on Friday to understand if the new package is delivering as expected."

"Alongside the work to understand the upgrades, we will look at the usual tyre work on Friday as well as understanding how the track surface has weathered in the last 12 months.

"Overtaking is easier in Montreal than it was at the last two races, which may open up some additional strategy options during the Grand Prix, if the tyre degradation can be managed."

Read also: Williams recovery plan likely to extend beyond 2024

Albon is looking forward to getting onboard Williams' updated contender at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve.

"Heading into Canada, it’s always a bit of a tricky circuit, however with it having more medium downforce, it should suit us a bit more than the last couple of tracks.

"We have an upgrade coming for this weekend, so it should be interesting to see how it performs.

"Everyone at the factory has done a huge job to get this upgrade ready for the weekend, so hopefully we can have a good result."

On the other side of the Williams garage, this week's Canadian Grand prix will marl Logan Sargeant's first visit to the race. And the young American is excited to discover the lay of the land on the Ile Notre Dame.

"I’m excited to head to Canada for the first time," commented Sargeant. "It’s a track I’ve wanted to drive since I was very young.

"It's a difficult circuit with the walls very close on the exits of high-speed chicanes. I'm hoping it suits our car a little better than Barcelona and we can have a good weekend."

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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.