Button sees echoes of 2000 in revitalized Williams

As Williams Racing gears up for the 2024 Formula 1 season, team ambassador and former driver Jenson Button has shed light on the rejuvenated atmosphere within the British outfit.

The team, which has navigated a challenging path over the years, now seems poised for a brighter future, bolstered by strategic leadership changes, a strengthened driver lineup, and a renewed sense of direction.

Reflecting on the state of Williams’ affairs ahead of this year’s campaign, Button has noted a fundamental shift in the team’s dynamics.

With his unique perspective as both an alumnus and an observer, the 2009 F1 World Champion is witnessing a rekindling of the spirit that once defined Williams as a dominant force in motorsport.

“The atmosphere kind of feels the same as back in 2000,” the Briton told Crash.net.

“It feels fun, exciting, obviously serious when it comes to racing, but it is a nice family atmosphere.”

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After rejoining the team as a brand ambassador and advisor in 2021, Button’s connection to Williams has come full circle.

But his early observations upon returning weren’t all glowing.

“When I re-joined the team as an ambassador the atmosphere wasn't quite the same,” he explained.

“You had people that have been here for a couple of decades, [even] three decades, and then you had an influx of new talent coming into the team.

“There was a need to put together the right leadership to bring everyone together to work as one.”

A Leadership Shift

The arrival of James Vowles as team principal in early 2023 proved to be a turning point.

The former Mercedes strategist brought with him a wealth of experience and a clear vision for Williams’ resurgence.

Button believes this leadership has been instrumental in fostering unity and belief within the team.

“Now I think there's a lot more belief in the direction of where the team is going, which is so important when you’re trying to work together to build for the future,” he said.

Williams’ strides forward have also been reflected in their driver lineup.

Sainz: A Major Coup

The team secured a major coup by signing four-time Grand Prix winner Carlos Sainz from Ferrari for 2025 while also retaining Alex Albon with a new contract.

These moves clearly underscored Williams’ ambition and their intent to compete at a higher level.

But last season, Vowles also made a bold decision on the driver front when Logan Sargeant was dropped in the back half of the year and replaced with talented rookie Franco Colapinto.

The young Argentine impressed in his limited outings, earning admiration from Button.

“There have been some good results from Williams from Alex and Franco,” Button said. “It’s been really refreshing to watch a driver jump into the car and be competitive from the word go.”

“I think we all have a lot of respect for Alex, how good he is and what he is able to achieve in this sport. For somebody young to be able to jump in and push him is very impressive.”

Driver Dynamics

According to Button, healthy competition between teammates is vital for a team’s progress.

“You learn from your teammates no matter how old or young they are, whether they’re inexperienced or experienced, you still learn from the data,” he added.

“It really helps the team move forward as well if they have two drivers that are competitive, that can learn from each other and move this team forward.”

While 2023 wasn’t a standout year for Williams in terms of points, the team’s form in the latter part of the season provided cause for optimism.

“Points-wise, not as many points this season as the team would've hoped, but they have been in the latter part of the season which has been great, so it bodes well heading into ’25,” Button noted.

As Williams Racing prepares to tackle the challenges of the upcoming seasons, Button’s insights paint a picture of a team on the rise, buoyed by cohesive leadership, promising talent, and a renewed sense of belief.

The iconic British outfit seems ready to take its next step toward reclaiming its place among Formula 1’s elite.

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