Valtteri Bottas believes the upgrades delivered to the team's FW38 have not had the desired impact, leading the team to be outrun by its rivals on the development front.

Following two competitive seasons we saw it finish third each time in the constructors championship, Williams was viewed along with Ferrari as the most likely team to perhaps tackled Mercedes dominance.

Results have not lived up to the team and Bottas' expectations however, with Williams well outpaced by Ferrari and Red Bull while Force India is snapping at its heels.

"We have not been 100% satisfied with the development in terms of improvements and upgrades for us as a team," Bottas told Autosport.

"Some of the other teams have outdeveloped us a little bit, which has now put us under pressure from Force India. But this is Formula 1, it's competitive and it's tricky to be running up front.

"The main thing in the second half of the season is we start maximising 100% from the car, which maybe some races we have been struggling to do."

Williams still have a few minor upgrades in the pipeline, scheduled to be introduced between Spa and Singapore, but the Grove-based outfit will indeed be seeking to extract all it can from the FW38's current potential as it has now devoted all its resources to its 2017 car.

FEATURE: Romain Grosjean answers your questions

F1i Classic: The unforgettable Harry Schell

Exclusive F1i interview with Carlos Sainz

Explaining the F1 summer break

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

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.

Recent Posts

McLaren’s Brown not surprised ‘high integrity’ Newey is moving on

McLaren Racing boss Zak Brown admitted to not being surprised by Adrian Newey’s decision to…

1 hour ago

Tech F1i: McLaren leads teams’ upgrades in Miami

The Miami Grand Prix has become since its inception a pivotal point for teams to…

3 hours ago

When Wattie put his first point on the board

Belfast-born John Watson came into this world 78 years ago today and ushered his way…

4 hours ago

Wolff rubbishes rumors of early F1 debut for Antonelli

Mercedes F1 team principal Toto Wolff has firmly shut down speculation regarding a potential fast-track…

5 hours ago

Newey: As Forrest Gump said, 'I'm feeling a little bit tired'

Adrian Newey has made it clear that he currently has “no plan” to remain in…

6 hours ago

Mercedes seeks answers after falling short in Sprint quali

Mercedes were left picking up the pieces after yet another disappointing and frustrating performance in…

8 hours ago