Williams began the season with Laffite driving the FW02 and Merzario in the FW03. They qualified for the season-opening Argentine Grand Prix in 17th and 20th respectively, and Laffite retired from the race with a broken gearbox. Merzario finished eleven laps down and was not classified. In Brazil, Merzario started 11th but retired from the race with a fuel system problem, while Laffite started 19th and finished 11th. In the final World Championship race for the FW02, the South African Grand Prix, Laffite started 23rd and was unclassified at the end of the race, nine laps down. Merzario qualified the FW03 in 15th place but retired with engine failure.