Most Improved Team in Testing
The way that Williams entered testing was not without disruption. When disturbance is caused within the higher management, it is usually felt throughout the whole team. James Vowles, previously the Strategy Chief for Mercedes, had entered his new role as Team Principal for Williams just one week before testing. Senior positions were still left empty however, including Technical Director and a Head of Aerodynamics.
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Immediately faced with difficulties, Williams were seen to have the slowest one-lap pace. Be that as it may be, they found themselves gaining the most time (losing time) compared to their 2022 testing. An impressive -2.378 seconds was knocked off their time.
With key team roles being left blank, and a new Team Principal joining the team only 7 days before, this was a significant moment for the team. Unfortunately, many journalists and critics still had them down as last place in their constructors predictions. Albon himself explained, “we are the 10th quickest team.”
A Strong Qualifying
When talking about the “Rookie of the Year” award, rarely do people mention Logan Sargeant as a contender. Having an impressive junior career, the American rightly earned his seat within Formula 1. The talk of the “rookie town” was focused on Piastri, the past F2 and F3 champion, and Nick De Vries, a champion within Formula E.
When it came to qualifying, Sargeant proved why he deserves to be in that Williams, qualifying p16, beating both Piastri and De Vries. The American had actually set the same time as Norris in P15. Logan was only beaten as Lando set his time first.
Albon was able to send his Williams into Q2. Unfortunately, the driver representing Thailand had to back out of his Q2 run due to picking up damage on a flying lap. Had he been able to set a lap, it would be very possible for Alex to have made it into Q3.
Both drivers had their own errors, resulting in them not being able to achieve a higher grid position. As frustrating as this may be, it shows a massive amount of promise for not just the drivers, but for Williams themselves.
A Revolutionary Race
Williams labelled the Bahrain Grand Prix as their “best start to a season in six years.” Alex Albon was able to pull off a P10, points finish. This is the best opening result they have had since Felipe Massa was in the car in 2017. Logan Sargeant had a fantastic debut Grand Prix, fighting his way from P16 to P12.
It wasn’t just the way the drivers gained positions that made it a great weekend. They were both aggressive, tactical, and strategic. Their ability to mix tyre management with competitive, attacking style driving resulted in their fantastic finishing positions.
Alex Albon voiced his surprise about the result, “We were strong, we were fighting, and our race pace was better than expected…”
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“…it was pretty special and honestly not just for me, Logan was pretty quick as well, we were both up there and fighting.”
Sargeant out qualified both of the other rookies, but also ended up finishing above the pair (Norris and De Vries) too. Amongst the pressure of his debut Grand Prix, Sargeant was having fun racing. He wasn’t afraid to brake late or defend his position.
Here’s what he had to say, “I absolutely loved every second of my debut race…”
“… the first time going off the line was special. I’m proud of the team, I think we outperformed everything we expected coming from testing.”
Looking Ahead
Williams are an iconic British motorsport team. With 9 constructors’ championships to their name, they are well established within Formula 1. Some of the greatest drivers in the sport have driven their cars; Senna, Prost, Mansell etc. Williams was once a force to be reckoned with. Drivers championships, trophies, medals. These were things that were once common to this great team.
In its more recent years, it has been a constant struggle for the team based in Oxfordshire. Often expected to qualify and finish in last place, it has been a difficult period. The team was bought out in 2020 by American firm Dorilton Capital. Claire Williams, who had put her all into carrying on her fathers’ (Frank Williams) legacy, had to step down from her role.
Now in a new chapter, Williams look set to fight back this year. A fantastic new team principal, the continuously great driving from Albon, and a hopeful rookie with Logan Sargeant. Watch out for Williams this year, they are battling back.
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Qualifying Photo – https://www.williamsf1.com/posts/b6932f28-c469-4ecd-af02-e9e8e176544f/2023-bahrain-grand-prix-qualifying
Mansell Senna Photo – https://www.planetf1.com/news/nigel-mansell-over-six-million-auction-profit/