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

Fisichella's lights-to-flag third and final F1 win

The Renault team managed by Flavio Briatore rejoiced in Malaysia on this day in 2006…

51 mins ago

Newey reportedly hunting for new team principal amid Aston woes

Aston Martin’s 2026 Formula 1 season has started in turmoil, and whispers from Silverstone suggest…

2 hours ago

Steiner calls out Verstappen: ‘It’s not the rules – it’s Red Bull’

The heated debate around Formula 1’s 2026 regulations continues to roll on – but according…

3 hours ago

Lawson hails Red Bull-Ford unit as ‘exceptional’ after early doubts

Doubts surrounded Red Bull-Ford’s bold engine project long before it ever roared into life. But…

4 hours ago

Why Newey was a no-show in China despite Aston Martin’s crisis?

When Adrian Newey is nowhere to be seen in the garage, people notice. And when…

19 hours ago

‘Enough is enough’ – Vasseur draws line under F1 start debate

Ferrari team boss Fred Vasseur has had enough – and he’s not interested in rewriting…

20 hours ago