The team's fortunes improved at the German Grand Prix, although Laffite qualified down in 15th. During the race several cars dropped out through mechanical failures and accidents, while others suffered punctures and were delayed. Laffite was able to finish second after overtaking Tom Pryce near the end, earning six World Championship points for the team. However, in Austria, Laffite qualified 12th but dropped out of the race with handling problems. Laffite also drove the FW04 in the non-championship Swiss Grand Prix, starting 13th and finishing tenth, and another gearbox failure ended his Italian Grand Prix after starting down in 18th.