Williams

**Williams-Dorilton**

## Season Results

Complete Formula One results for Williams (UniONE CAREER results only).

### **2014 (UniONE CAREER S1)**

The start of the V6 Hybrid era looked to be the dawn of a new age for Williams, with the power of the Mercedes engine, the British outfit catapulted back to the front of the grid. Felipe Massa and Valtteri Bottas would each take one win in the FW36. Bottas taking his one and only career victory at the season opener at Australia. Massa's final victory in F1 coming at the Brazilian Grand Prix. Along with other consistent results, Williams would finish 2nd in the Championship, with Bottas 3rd in the Driver's and Massa 5th.

### **2015 & BMW Factory support (UniONE CAREER S2)**

2015 would bring yet another change in engine supplier for Williams. BMW returned to F1, with an exclusive deal to supply Williams with all-new M-Sport Power Units. Much like in the early 2000's, BMW's PU was unchallenged in raw power, however the FW37 car lacked overall downforce to make the most of the power advantage. Despite a power advantage, the M-Sport01H PU would prove to be unreliable. This eventually lead to Button bringing forward his retirement from F1, following a gearbox failure at the Belgian Grand Prix. A large upgrade package towards the end of the season lead to Josh Tirowee (who moved from Lotus) to take three wins in the final four races.

### **2016 (UniONE CAREER S3)**

Building on the momentum from the end of 2015, Williams would come into 2016 with one of the strongest cars. Despite the early season success of Red Bull, a breakdown in the relationship with engine suppliers Renault would lead to the Austrian team's pace trail off in the mid point of the season. When F1 came to the power circuits, Williams looked to have almost a 20mph straight line speed advantage over the rest of the grid (except for Manor). With consistent results from Josh Tirowee and Sebastien Buemi, Williams would take both Championships for the first time since 1997.

### **2017 (UniONE CAREER S4)**

The 2016 Constructor's Champions enter their 40th year of competition. However, they looked to have slipped a long way off of the front running pace, as the new regulations and car designs have not played to the team's strengths. It's a well known fact that aerodynamics have never been Williams' strong point. Once again, the British team will be ever reliant on their BMW M-Sport03H Power Unit to drag their cars up the order. A B-Spec car was unveiled for the second half of the season, with Tirowee finishing the race in second. Kubica took William's first victory of the season after a dominant display at Singapore.

### **2018 (UniONE CAREER S5)**

Williams looked to have carried their momentum over from the second half of the 2017 season and looked to be the early pace setters. As expected, the BMW M-Sport04H Power Unit in the back of the FW40 looked to be the most powerful of the 7 Power Units on the grid for 2018. Williams also looked to have improved significantly in the aero and chassis departments. After the disaster that was the final race on 2017, a whole new strategy department was named. BMW also announced a new partnership with Williams that would run until the end of the 2020 season. However, Martini have confirmed they would not renew their partnership with Williams, which ran out at the end on the 2018 season.

Following the usual pattern in the V8 Hybrid era, for the majority of the first half of the season the Williams car was slow to get up to speed, taking only two race wind in the opening half of the season. Major upgrades were brought after the Mid-Season test, which both Josh Tirowee and Robert Kubica would make the best of at the power fracks of Spa and Monza. Consistency would play a big role in keeping Williams in the Constructor's battle, as when the drivers were off the podium, they still scored good points. Williams went into the final race with a 4 point lead in the Constructor's. Tirowee finished the race in 4th, Kubica 9th. The Mercedes pairing came home 6th and 7th. This result would secure Williams their 11th Constructor's championship by a total of 5 points. Tirowee however would lose out on the Driver's championship by 15 points to Alonso.

### **2019 & BMW Exit (UniONE CAREER S6)**

The British outfit seemed to be on the pace from early on in the test and are expected to challenge for both titles again this coming season. The new regulations also seem to have favoured the team as their cars have always been low drag ever since the early 2000s. Williams are also planning to introduce their flywheel ERS system later in the season. The system was originally planned for the 2010 car if refueling wasn't banned, as the larger fuel tank took up space the flywheel would've been. If Williams can successfully introduce the concept, it should guarantee both Championships for the British outfit.

Mick Schumacher secured his first pole with the team at the season opener, but would drop back in the race to finish in 9th. Kubica in the other Williams retired with a BMW engine failure. Williams would properly get off the mark in round 2, with a front row lockout and a 1st place finish for Schumacher and a 4th place for Kubica. Schumacher would go on to win the next two races at China and Japan. Schumacher would dominate the Russian Grand Prix, taking pole, fastest lap and the race win. Kubica also scored his first podium on 2019. Kubica's second podium of the season came at the German Grand Prix, after starting 11th, on a 1-stop strategy.

The Italian Grand Prix would prove to be a disaster for Williams, with both cars out in Q1, and neither reaching the top 12 in the race. It came to light that BMW hadn't upgraded the Power Units at all throughout the season, prompting speculation that the German giants are to make an exit from F1 at the close of the season. Williams returned to form for the Hungarian Grand Prix, Schumacher finishing 4th with Kubica 8th.

The final four races of the season were cancelled due to the lockdown, gifting Williams both Championships. Scumacher secured the Driver's by 3 points, whilst Williams defended their Constructor's title from Mercedes and Toyota.

### **2020 & Return to Honda power (Season 7)**

Although it only came to light recently, defending Champions Williams had been working on an engine deal with a new supplier for this coming season. The team announced a two year engine deal with Honda. Securing the deal early in the season allowed the team to design the chassis around the new Power Unit, but it remains to be seen if Williams can keep as competitive edge, as the Honda Power Units have delivered mixed result since the Japanese marke returned in 2015. The team will be competing for the start of the season with a C-Spec of the FW41 Chassis, as ever since 2015 the Cars have been built around BMW engines, so a little more design work is needed before the FW42 is launched later in the season. It's a C-Spec as the unraced B-Spec Flywheel car never made it to the track. Honda agreed to supply the British outfit since they're only operating as an engine supplier, have two top teams with Honda power will only improve the chances for success. Red Bull were unable to block the move as there is officially no Honda works team.

Schumacher's title defense would start disastrously. The inherently flawed Williams FW41C lacked pace all throughout the opening round. This coupled with Honda engine issues left the German only 18th and a lap down on the leaders. However in the other car, Latifi performed exceptionally on race debut. Qualifying one place behind defending Champion teammate Mick Schumacher, Latifi had a clean race to pick up a point at race end. The Canadian would put the world on notice at round 2. Lafiti qualified 6th on the short layout of COTA. A lightning start saw him move into third at turn one. With an excellent display of defensive driving, Latifi would hold off many of the faster cars throughout the race, only dropping to 7th at race end. Schumacher only managed to score due to the Wildcard points system.

Williams unveiled their proper 2020 challenger, the FW42 for round 5 at Spain. Early results were promising, the car appeared to be much more stable and predictable through cornering, and a more efficient aero package cut drag. Mick Schmacher was on course for a top 5 in the race, but a loss of hydraulic pressure forced the defending Champion to retire on track. Latifi had an eventful race moving through the mid fiends, and had a near race long battle with 2019 DAMS F2 teammate Sergio Sette Camara. Latifi finished the race in 10th. The FW42 would shine at the Monaco Grand Prix. In the hands of Mick Schumacher, he managed a 5th place finish, the team's highest of the season to date.

Nicholas Latifi claimed a breakthrough podium at the German Grand Prix. Starting from 11th, on Medium tyres, the Canadian made the most of a mid-race Safety Car to find himself in second place. Then followed a battle for the ages - Rio Haryanto in his McLaren, and Latifi trading second place on multiple occasions. On the final lap of the race, Haryanto made a move into the hairpin, and was able to steal second from the young Canadian. Latifi held onto third to take Williams' first podium of the season. Schumacher put together an encouraging weekend at the Russian Grand Prix. The outgoing Champion qualified his FW42 in fifth. An excellent start saw the German up to third on the opening lap, briefly challenging for the lead. Schumacher eventually finished sixth.

### **2021 (Season 8)**

Williams' decent down the order looks set to continue. Despite showing good pace in 2020, the team only managed a single podium with Latifi at the German Grand Prix. After losing their BMW backing for 2020, William's weren't expecting to keep themselves at the front, but despite the sizable payout for winning both Championships in 2019, Williams made the decision to keep back most of the prize money to focus on the new regulations. With the regulations being pushed back, this will hurt Williams in the short term, with development being limited for the FW43 which will compete for the next two seasons. Clair Williams also revealed their biggest expense in 2020 was paying their Champion driver Mick Schumacher, although he earned his paycheck, it wasn't possible for the team to pay a driver that amount again. This being the factor that allowed Schumacher to move to McLaren.

The most notable change among the Williams team is the loss of title sponsor ROKiT. An official statement is yet to be given from either side, but its speculated the split was due to the team's rapid decline in 2020. With BMW power long gone and Champion driver Mick Schumacher leaving for McLaren, Williams will now be more reliant than ever on the money they've saved through their recent successful years to design and build their 2023 challenger for the new regulations.

Proving he's more than a pay driver, Nicholas Latifi starts his second season with the team. Filling the seat left by Mick is another German. Nico Hulkenberg comes full circle and rejoins the team he made his F1 debut with in 2010. Hulk, falling out of favour at Renault showed he can still take the fight to the very best in F1, and will look to push Latifi on track to maximize the performances and point scoring chances, just like Schumacher did last season. Dan Ticktum remains the third driver, and if he can can produce a good campaign in F2, he could be looking at a race seat some time soon.

Williams' lack of pace was revealed at the opening race, with neither Latifi or Hulkenberg finishing in the points. Hulkenberg finished 13th again in round 2, but as it was a Wildcard Race it yielded 8 points for the German. Latifi also claimed a point.

It was announced during the week leading up to the French Grand Prix, that the Williams team had been sold to Investment Firm Dorilton Capital. This move secured the long-term future of the team, but would lead to a management restructure, as both Frank and Claire Williams would depart from the team. With the sale came also the team's race entry, so the 22 points already scored by Hulkenberg and Latifi would remain. Latifi retired early on in the race during the race with a mechanical problem, whilst Hulkenberg would go on to finish the race in 12th and secure a point.

Williams ended a shortened season in 9th.

### **2022 (Season 9)**

Williams enter a new age under new ownership. Dorilton Capital are now the owners of the historic British outfit, and will run Dorilton branded RBPT Units. It's also the first real chance to show the upside of their investment. Fully utilizing the prize money payouts saved from Williams' time with BMW backing, the team look to be back in the upper midfield, and have a stable development structure in place for the short to medium term. Traditionally, Williams have struggled in the first season of regulation changes, but it looks the team have finally turned a corner in the early season development race.

Along with new owners and financial backing, Williams enter the new era of F1 with a while new driver lineup. Former Red Bull driver Alex Albon has been cleared to race outside of the Red Bull family, whilst retaining his connections. The Thai-Brit struggled at times to gel in the Red Bull-Verstappen environment, and more often than not found himself in the shadow of the Dutchman. A change of environment could be just what he needs to re find his pace that earned him a promotion from Toro Rosso back in 2019. Partnering the two-time race winner is the first Williams Academy driver to be promoted to a race seat, Dan Ticktum. The Brit has had a storied junior career, but showed genuine pace and consistency last season in F2, running in title contention for the duration and earning enough Super Licence points to be granted the seat. His simulator work with Williams behind the scenes also appears to have calmed his infamous fiery temperament.

Williams had a very encouraging opening round. Albon finished the race in 7th, with Ticktum finishing in 12th. It was Williams first double-points finish since 2020.

An engine upgrade from RBPT/Honda at Round 2, Japan appeared to work wonders. Alex Albon topped FP2, FP3 and Qualifying 3. Rookie Dan Ticktum also featured inside the top 5 in those sessions. Albon lead the first half of the race, and was comfortably ahead of Fernando Alonso. The Thai-Brit was set for Williams' first win since 2019. That was until on lap 16 the Power Unit failed and forced him to retire from the lead, Ticktum finished the race in 2nd, in only his second race.

Alexander Albon hooked up his Williams to take consecutive Pole Positions for Australia. Dan Ticktum lined up in 5th.

On lap 8, Zhou Guanyu suffered a third Power Unit failure in three races. This brought out the Safety Car and every driver made a stop for the Hard tyres. Leclerc retired from the race under the Safety Car.Albon maintained the lead on the restart, but lacked pace and was holding up Alonso and Tirowee. On lap 19, Alonso failed to make a move on Albon. This gave Tirowee the momentum to make moves on them both to steal the lead.

Tirowee held the lead onto lap 23, when Albon launched an attack. The two battled though the first sector. Albon pulled ahead out of turn 5, but had a compromised corner exit. Tirowee tried to switch-back, but made contact with Ticktum, who was trying to follow through Albon. A high speed impact took both out of contention for points, but both were able to continue. The Safety Car was redeployed so debris could be cleared. Albon once again held the lead on the second restart ahead of Alonso and Max Verstappen.

Albon held on to take his third race victory, and Williams' first since 2019.

Williams unveiled a new livery at the Italian Grand Prix. A deal was struck with Singapore Airlines, as well as BMW. The German marque returned to sponsor the team they supplied Power Units to from 2016-2019. This sponsorship came about due to Williams holding back much of their previous prize money payouts to develop the FW44. Wanting to secure some of that recognition, BMW branding featured on the front and sides of the car. The race was also a successful outing for Alexander Albon, starting third and finishing in fourth.

Ticktum came into the French Grand Prix as the team leader for one race. The Brit was joined by Nicholas Latifi. Latifi was dropped to the reserve role for 2022, but made a one off return at the French Grand Prix in place of the injured Alexander Albon. Despite completing simulator work, this was the first time the Canadian had sat in the FW44. Latifi had a quiet race in mixed conditions and managed to go the distance, finishing in 18th. Ticktum also drove cleanly to secure a point for 12th.

Albon returned to action at round 11. It wasn't the return he or the team were hoping for. The Thai-Brit turned the Alfa Romeo of Josh Tirowee mid-race and had to pit for a new front wing. Ticktum carried the momentum from his outing as one-time team leader to finish a welcome 6th.

Over the Miami Grand Prix weekend, Williams confirmed Dan Ticktum would remain team mates with Alex Albon for 2023, with Logan Sargent continuing as reserve.

Albon defied all expectations, taking a victory and consistent points all season to finish 9th overall, ahead of the works Ferrari and Mercedes of Carlos Sainz and George Russell. Ticktum ended a generally impressive rookie season with a podium finish 14th in the standings, but will need to up his pace going into 2023.

### **2023 (Season 10)**

Williams are set for another season in the mid pack. The British outfit had a strong start with their 2022 concept, with a win in Australia, As the season progressed, the competitiveness of the team declined as a development wall was hit. Williams have turned their attention to a Red Bull-style concept. Williams could have more room than most to explore the concept, as the team continue their partnership with Honda RBPT Power Units badged as Dorilton.

Alexander Albon becomes a fully fledged Williams driver, parting ways officially from Red Bull. The Thai-Brit impressed last season, taking a win at the Australian Grand Prix, and emerged as the team leader. Dan Ticktum retains his drive. The fiery Brit started the season excellently, with a second place at the Japanese Grand Prix, but fell away as the season went on. With the full backing of team owners Dorilton Capital, he'll need to improve his consistency, with F2 graduate Logan Sargent lurking in the wings and taking on third driver roles.

Las Vegas hosted the first of three Wildcard races, allocating 5 points for pole, and all 20 positions in the race. Max Verstappen stormed to pole with a time of 1:34.460. Albon secured a front row start, despite setting a time 0.6s slower than the defending champion. Verstappen got the perfect start, whilst Albon locked down second. Albon and Mick Schumacher started on Softs for a two-stop strategy, whilst the rest of the field started on Mediums for a planed one-stop. Albon made his first of 2 stops at the end of lap 7 for Mediums. Pierre Gasly span on lap 13, blocking the track after the strip, and brought out the first Safety Car of the season. The Safety Car ruined Albon's and Schumacher's strategy, but they were both on Mediums compared to Hards for the other 18 drivers. Albon held his ground and secured a strong 6th position. Ticktum gained 2 places to 15th.

Williams brought significant upgrade package, as well as a new Gulf livery to the Japanese Grand Prix. Albon qualified lead Williams in 12th, Ticktum was on in Q1 for the third time in a row. Rain arrived on lap 19. Three laps later it was time to pit for Inters. Red Bull opted to double stack. As the Austrian outfit had the first pit stall, Tirowee was blocked in his box by the stacking Ferraris in front. The Brit dropped to 8th behind Albon. The Williams and Red Bull have the same Power Unit, and Albon used all his defensive skills to hold off hi former team. With pride at stake, Tirowee upped the pressure and passed the Thai driver.

Williams switched to a low-drag setup during FP2 of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, and ended the session 5th and 7th. FP3 was a washout, and only 9 drivers set times. Albon topped the pile from Gasly and Hamilton. Albon had his best start of the season with fourth. The Williams was the fastest car through the speed trap, and Albon passed the lead Honda powered Red Bull for 2nd on lap 8. The top four headed into the pits at the end of lap 12. A routine quick stop from Red Bull got Verstappen back into 2nd. Hamilton pulled away from Albon during the second stint for a secure 3rd.

Albon dialed into the potential of the Williams to top FP1 of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix from the Spaniards of Sainz and Alonso. Williams put pressure on Dan Ticktum, by running Logan Sargeant in the Brit's car during first practice. Albon could only manage 11th in FP2, with Ticktum only three tenths further back in 12th. Albon qualified 5th in the wet conditions. Ticktum was again out in Q1 in 16th, but dropped to the back with a gearbox penalty. Albon was pushing the Williams to the limit, in search of his and the team's first podium of the season. On lap 12/32, Albon had a half spin but only lost one place to Leclerc. Aslonso was fired up, and was into the top 5 on lap 16 after putting a move on the flustered Albon. Albon wrote his wrong on lap 29 and recovered the place he lost to Leclerc in the first stint to move back up to 5th. Ticktum was a distant 19th, 6 seconds back from Lawson.

Williams and Albon lost another podium opportunity at the Austrian Grand Prix. Something finally clicked for Tirowee with the RB19. The Brit secured the lead off the start, whilst Schumacher powered into 2nd. Verstappen took back the position on lap 3. Their squabbling allowed Albon behind to close. Schumacher took back the position on lap 5, whilst Albon demoted Verstappen off the podium. Albon was on a push for a podium and passed Schumacher on the next lap. Albon's valiant effort ended on lap 13, as Verstappen then Schumacher repassed the Williams. The battle for 3rd went to the pits on lap 17, with Schumacher remaining ahead of Albon. The Thai-Brit's race ended half a lap later with a loose wheel forcing the Williams to pull over.

At the Dutch Grand Prix, Williams announced Logan Sargeant would race in place of Dan Ticktum for the remainder of the season. Ticktum had only 10 points, compared to Albon's 67. The Thai-Brit has been in podium contention at most races, whilst on the other side of the garage, Ticktum was yet to get out of Q1 and rarely finished inside the top 15. Sargreant lined up last for his debut race, but was less than a tenth behind Stroll on 19th. Sargant had made a good start up to 18th, but lost ground on lap 5 to Tsunoda. Albon once again found out the Williams is fast but fragile, when his race ended on lap 31/36.

Williams trialed 0-0 wings during FP1 of the Canadian Grand Prix, as the ultra slippery FW45 was already usually the fastest in the speed traps at regular downforce levels. With most of the lap taken at full-throttle, the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve provided the perfect opportunity for Albon or Sargeant to take the team's long awaited first podium of the season. Albon liked the balance of the Williams to top FP1 on Mediums from Piastri on Softs. Sargeant completed the top 3, also on Mediums. Albon again topped set the standard in FP2 from Piastri. Lance Stroll ran strongly to complete the top 3. The Thai-Brit completed Practice clean sweep from Gasly and Tirowee.

It was an extremely wet start to qualifying, but the sky was brightening up. Four big names were caught out in the transition from Wets to Inters at the end of Q1, with Tirowee 20th, Alonso 19th, Leclerc 18th and Russell 17th. The track was drying rapidly throughout Q2, but Inters was still the way to go. The track was just about dry enough at the end of Q3 for Softs, with last over the line having the best track conditions. Albon took a second row start with 4th. Sargeant lined up 10th for only his second race. Changeable conditions returned for the race.

All 20 drivers survived the opening lap without damage. The red flag was out on lap 5, as Carlos Sainz's day ended early, and Liam Lawson collected the Ferrari in the process. By the time the AlphaTauri and Ferrari had been cleared away, the sun was out and the track was dry. 17/18 remaining drivers were on Drys. Toyota made a catastrophic error and fitted the Brazilian's TRD123 with Inters. Sette Camara's excellent qualifying and opening laps had been wasted. To add to the restart chaos, Zhou's Alfa Romeo experienced a clutch issue and the Chinese pulled off at turn 1. The Williams was in its element in the dry, and Albon powered into the lead at the end of lap 9. Tirowee skimmed the Wall of Champions on lap 11, and the loss of momentum granted an easy passage to Norris. Sargeant stated his claim to the Williams seat full time four laps later with a move on the championship leader. With the added confidence boost from passing Tirowee, the American replicated his move two laps later on Stroll. The skies began to darken once more by lap 18, but Williams still pitted Albon for a set of Mediums. Two laps later, the Heavens opened and it was time for Inters once more. In a desperate bid to regain lost track position, Albon and Norris attempted another lap on Drys, which would only drop the pair further behind.

Schumacher brought out a second red flag on lap 29, when the German had an identical crash to Sainz. It was a four lap sprint to the end on Full Wets. Logan Sargeant was only half a second away from his first podium, whilst another opportunity was squandered by Albon and Williams, with the FW45 crossing the line only in 11th (+FL).

Albon had an incident packed Singapore Grand Prix. Albon made contact with Tirowee and brought their running for the session to an end. The Williams driver misread Tirowee running wide as him letting Albon through. The Thai-Brit would then crash out at the same place on lap 6 with cold Inters. A costly error during the final Wildcard race of the season. Sargeant started the race from the back, but an excellent strategy saw the American into 12th and pressuring Leclerc.

Williams trialed their '0-0' package during FP1 of the Belgian Grand Prix. Tirowee powered to the fastest time in FP1 on Mediums, from Albon and Piastri on Softs. Sargeant ran strongly to 5th on Mediums. Tirowee again was at the top at the end of FP2, this time on Softs. Albon was second again, this time on Mediums. When the track dried in FP3, Williams dominated. Albon and Sargeant were almost a second clear of Norris in third. Tirowee and Albon pulled clear of the field to complete the front row for the race. Both of Sargeant's Q3 lap times were deleted for track limits. The American would've line up 4th. Rain retuned for the race, all drivers started on Inters. Albon got the launch he needed, but Tirowee held the inside line and the lead. Rain looked set to remain for the rest of the race. Tirowee pit for a new set of Inters on lap 11. Albon ran longer on to attack in the second stint. Albon put in a mighty final stint but Tirowee was too far in front. Tirowee (+FL) won by four seconds from Albon, who finally secured his and the team's first podium of the season. Sargeant raced well to 7th. Williams closed to 13 points behind Alpine in the battle for 7th.

## Racing Record (UniONE CAREER Results Only)

Results in **bold**, indicate Championships won.