Latest news with #Grove-based
Newsweek
2 days ago
- Automotive
- Newsweek
Alex Albon Reveals When Williams Will Be Winning Again
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Williams driver Alex Albon predicts when the team should end up fighting for race wins — a goal that is well within reach, according to the Thai-British driver. Since the arrival of team principal James Vowles, Williams has faced higher expectations and a raised profile. Vowles has bestowed belief in the team again — pushing the team to keep building and improving with the hope of becoming a top team. The Grove-based racing team went through years at the bottom of the table. They were a backmarker team that felt lucky to score a point during a race. Alexander Albon of Thailand and Williams looks on prior to the F1 Grand Prix of Great Britain at Silverstone Circuit on July 06, 2025 in Northampton, England. Alexander Albon of Thailand and Williams looks on prior to the F1 Grand Prix of Great Britain at Silverstone Circuit on July 06, 2025 in Northampton, the team is a regular point-scoring team and features a strong driver lineup of Albon and Carlos Sainz. Vowels' transformation of Williams is inspiring Albon to dream big for the future. "We are a very different team to a top team at the moment," Albon told the BBC. "We're still on a journey to get there, and we talk very openly about the journey and our weaknesses as a team. "I don't think we are, in all areas, at the maximum of our potential, and that's regarding the car performance. That's everything that goes on behind the scenes, the performance, the engineering. "I don't think next year we're going to be in a position to fight for wins, and I think it will be very rare to get a chance at podiums, but that's my mindset, that's our mindset. "2027 will be an interesting year, and then realistically, I know this sounds really far away, but 2028 is kind of where I expect us to be, up at the front end. I think that's realistic." Williams hopes to make a significant step in 2026 when the new engine regulations are introduced. Mercedes power units power the British team — giving the team hope for the coming seasons. Mercedes is known for producing amazing engines when a new formula is adopted. Williams also brought in massive changes to its technical staff, that are improving the team's aerodynamic capabilities. It has been decades since the team last fought for a world championship, and with Vowles at the helm, Albon believes it is only a matter of time before the team gets back to the top step. More F1 news: How Lewis Hamilton Made the F1 Movie Production More Expensive For more F1 news, head on over to Newsweek Sports.
Newsweek
24-06-2025
- Automotive
- Newsweek
The FIA Investigated Williams Over F1 Movie Using the Wind Tunnel
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The "F1" movie utilized Williams' wind tunnel for the depiction of car development, though the FIA investigated the team to see if there was a performance advantage gained. The movie producers focused on realism throughout the development of the film. It features current drivers, teams, and race tracks, along with approval from movie producer, seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton. Additionally, the producers asked the Williams team for permission to use its facilities, a move to replicate a key part of car development for the movie. "They approached us, because they could have done a [film] set from what I understood, but actually wanted to replicate or be in exactly the environment," team principal James Vowles told the Times. James Vowles and Rachel Rolph attend the European Premiere of F1 ® The Movie at Cineworld, Leicester Square on June 23, 2025 in London, England. James Vowles and Rachel Rolph attend the European Premiere of F1 ® The Movie at Cineworld, Leicester Square on June 23, 2025 in London, England. Photo by Tim P. Whitby/Getty Images The Grove-based racing team accepted the request, opting to lend its tunnel for the movie's production. More F1 news: How Lewis Hamilton Made the F1 Movie Production More Expensive F1 and the FIA established strict rules about wind tunnel usage and car development, which prompted an investigation to see if the team gained any more knowledge from having the movie's racing car tested in the tunnel. The FIA found Williams did not gain an advantage from the car being tested since it was very different from the current-day F1 car. The fictional F1 team in the movie is called APXGP, and the car is a modified Formula 2 car. The FIA determined it was different enough from Williams's 2024 title challenger. Vowles reported that there was a disruption that affected the team's workflow. "It's quite difficult for us nowadays to effectively extract everything that we need to [for Williams' work in the wind tunnel], stop our programs and bring them in," he admitted. "There's a limited number of [wind tunnel] 'fan on' time, so you can work around that. It is disruptive, but it was for a really important project." Vowles stated there was a payment made to the team, though it was insignificant. "We didn't make any money out of it. That's not the purpose behind it, and nor would it be," he said. "Taking our own program out of the tunnel for four days is not the best thing that you can be doing in a competitive year." Williams ended up finishing the season in ninth place, netting 17 points during the season. This season, they are up to fifth place almost halfway through the season. Vowles has led the team to 55 points, their highest total in years, and secured a massive contract extension that will allow him to continue to work with the team. More F1 news: Hamilton Heartbroken After Hitting Animal Mid-Race, Damaging Car For more F1 news, head on over to Newsweek Sports.
Newsweek
20-06-2025
- Automotive
- Newsweek
Williams F1 Team Boss Releases Statement After Long Term Contract Extension
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Williams team principal James Vowles has announced a long-term contract extension after joining the team in 2023. Vowles will continue leading the Grove-based outfit in its quest to become a championship-winning team. In a statement posted on X, Vowles acknowledged that though the goal remains distant, he is confident that Williams is heading in the right direction. Having arrived from Mercedes in 2023, a team that had won nine Constructors' Championships, Vowles is aware of the mindset a winning team needs to have. One major step to getting closer to his goal was signing former Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz last year, after the Maranello outfit signed Lewis Hamilton for the 2025 campaign. Convincing Sainz to take the wheel of a car that constantly finished outside the points was a big ask. However, it was Vowles' leadership and his vision for the team's future that motivated him to take the leap of faith. Williams Team Principal James Vowles looks on in the paddock during qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Monaco at Circuit de Monaco on May 24, 2025 in Monte-Carlo, Monaco. Williams Team Principal James Vowles looks on in the paddock during qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Monaco at Circuit de Monaco on May 24, 2025 in Monte-Carlo, his contract extension on X, Vowles wrote: "I am absolutely delighted to have signed a new long-term contract with Atlassian Williams Racing. Remaining at Williams was never in doubt, but I'm really pleased to have formalised it. "This team has felt like home from the moment I walked through the door. It really is a special place and we have an amazing opportunity to get it back where it belongs: building on Sir Frank's legacy and winning World Championships. "We aren't there yet but we are on the right path. We have done some good work fixing the foundations. To be clear, it isn't my work – it is your work. The great privilege of this job is in getting 1,000 people pointing in the right direction to deliver results. We now have the platform to build from. We have the investment we need from Dorilton, a world-class driver line-up in Alex and Carlos, top global brands as partners, and a growing global fanbase. "I'm excited as to what we can achieve together in the years ahead." I am absolutely delighted to have signed a new long-term contract with Atlassian Williams Racing. Remaining at Williams was never in doubt, but I'm really pleased to have formalised it. This team has felt like home from the moment I walked through the door. It really is a… — James Vowles (@JV_F1) June 19, 2025 The chairman of Atlassian Williams Racing and Dorilton Capital, Matthew Savage, said in a statement: "We are thrilled that James has signed a new contract with Atlassian Williams Racing and committed his future to completing the mission that we are on together. He has brought experience, energy and strategic leadership to the task of restoring Williams to the top step of the podium. We aren't there yet but you can sense the momentum we are building at Grove and are excited about what lies ahead."
The Hindu
12-05-2025
- Automotive
- The Hindu
‘We have a car that is better than we've ever had before' – James Vowles, Williams Team Principal
The name Williams has been synonymous with Formula One for half a century. Founded by Sir Frank Williams in the late '70s, the Grove-based outfit dominated the sport for two decades, winning seven Drivers' and nine Constructors' titles before the turn of the millennium. The British team has found the going tough over the last few years, finishing dead last in the standings four times between 2018 and 2022, collecting just 39 points over the duration. Under the ownership of US-based Dorilton Capital, and with former Mercedes Motorsport Strategy Director James Vowles at the helm since 2023, Williams has made rapid strides. The constructor eclipsed its 2024 points tally within four races of the 2025 season and looks set to challenge for fifth in the standings for the first time since 2017. Taking over from the Williams family, who nurtured the team for 43 years, is no easy task, but Vowles has managed to instil confidence into the struggling outfit in his role as Team Principal. In an exclusive chat with Sportstar on the sidelines of the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix, Vowles spoke at length about the team's progress, his data-driven approach, preparing the garage for the soon-to-arrive regulations, the future of the sport, and more. Five races into 2025, Williams has gotten off to a fast start compared to the last four seasons. How's the mood in the garage? Highly positive. I think we always have to remember where we've come from. It is a privilege and a pleasure to be racing with a car that can score points every weekend — and it is — with two world-class drivers. You'd be surprised how much that carries you through the tireless and sleepless nights. You've spoken about the continuous improvement you looked to bring when you took on this role in 2023. Two years on, do you think you're on the right track? Yeah, I think the direction of travel is a good one. This car isn't what we've put our focus on. We've just been fixing some foundational issues, putting in system software, infrastructure, culture, technology, people — and it's nice to see that the car is moving up and corresponds to that. We have a car that is better than we've ever had before. I think the real test is breaking away from the midfield, closer to the front. Track stars: Vowles with the two Williams drivers — Carlos Sainz (left) and Alex Albon (right). | Photo Credit: Getty Images You touched upon your two drivers, Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz. Both of them are very experienced in the top tier of racing. What is it like working with them? It's a breath of fresh air. First of all, there's no politics. Neither one wants anything more than for the team to be successful, which means that every meeting we have is about the greater good. How do we make it better next year? What's our direction of travel? What can I do to help? It's great to see that dedication they're putting into the team. Over the last decade or so, Williams has given so many drivers their first shot at F1. Was it a genuine choice to go with two experienced drivers? It was very much a case of me wanting experienced drivers by my side. I love investing in young drivers — they absolutely have a future with Williams. But we also have to acknowledge that last year, our attrition was high, and it meant we couldn't move forward in the field. For a few years, we've got to take stock and start developing this team into championship material. Does the tag of being F1's fourth most successful team weigh heavily on you? Is there added pressure? I don't think anything will put more pressure on me than I put on myself. That's probably the right way to describe it. The reason I'm here is because of our history. It's an incredible history. I want this team to be successful with all my heart. I'll make it my career goal to do so. That's more pressure than our legacy. Right from your time with Mercedes, you've been very data-driven. Does it help that both your drivers are of the same ilk? There's a reason why I've surrounded myself with individuals who are built the same way I am. That goes for our drivers, our senior management and our leaders. Data has to be at the heart of what you're doing. Because if you have someone going in a different direction, you can deviate from what is good. This is a slightly different year for development, considering the new regulations coming in next season. Will teams focus on circuit-specific development? You're going to find an interesting debate taking place up and down the pit lane. And that debate probably is between now and June. Do we do more, do we do less? There'll be some teams like Ferrari who came out and said, 'No! We have to fix this.' Red Bull also said that not long ago. But for teams like ourselves, our future isn't racing for 8th, 9th or 7th. Our future is racing for championships. You'll see we're making sacrifices for the next few years to bring ourselves to where we need to be. Cut to the chase: Sainz and Albon battle it out at the Saudi Arabian GP. | Photo Credit: Getty Images When the cost cap rule was brought in, you explained how Williams was behind the leaders in capital expenditure, leaving you short on machinery and software. Two years on, are you better placed? Yes, I was able to get us USD 20 million more, but by the time we finished the meeting, I think it was all spent. The rules are changing in 2026. You can spend whatever you want on capital expenditure, but you have to pay for the depreciation in your annual operating cap. The 20 million allowed us to do the short-term bits that were needed, and the remainder will be done in conjunction with those rules. An interesting topic came up in the press conferences in Saudi Arabia, about the V8 and V10 engines being brought back. What is your take on it? Is that the direction F1 should take? Let's race with the rules that we've spent three years and hundreds of millions of dollars developing. After we've been racing for some time, let's take an honest step back. Are we doing the right thing for the sport, for the world? I love the sound of the old V10s and V8s, but we also have to be honest with ourselves. I think what we are asking for is, let's make sure we have a tone to the engine — a sound that has emotion to it. Both drivers have mentioned a fundamental issue affecting performance, which is a characteristic of the Williams car in itself. How difficult is it to handle an issue related to the structure? The important thing is an open, honest discussion about what the real problems are, to make sure that we are not taking them into future cars. It's a problem that has been here for many years. Though we've made improvements between 2023–24 and 2024–25, it's nowhere near the level of the top three teams. We need a bigger change to improve it considerably — and that's what Carlos and Alex are bringing to the party. F1 requires fast cars to win championships. But how important is the team behind it? How much does the backroom staff influence a team? Everything is about people and culture. People create your systems, processes and communications. The fast car is just an output from a thousand people working well together. I am not the reason why this team will be successful. My job is just to bring the right people together. If you don't have a set of people pointing the right way, the team will not win a world championship. Every single person matters. Related Topics Williams / Formula One
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Who is Franco Colapinto, Alpine's newest F1 driver?
After a disappointing start to his Formula 1 career, Australian racer Jack Doohan has been replaced at the Alpine F1 team by reserve driver Franco Colapinto. The switch will see Colapinto race for the French team from F1's next outing at Imola, for at least five rounds. Franco Colapinto, MP Motorsport Franco Colapinto, MP Motorsport Formula Motorsport Ltd Formula Motorsport Ltd Advertisement Colapinto's F2 career got off to a slow start in 2024, but his fortunes turned around following an in-season test in Spain. He then picked up his first win in the sprint race at Imola and became a regular challenger at the front. Williams continued Colapinto's preparations for F1 and he completed FP1 at the 2024 British Grand Prix, which allowed him to get acquainted with the Williams FW46. Soon, he was given the Williams seat full-time after the Grove-based team decided to part ways with American racer Sargeant. This gave Colapinto nine races to prove himself at Williams, which he did with a best finish of eighth at the 2024 Azerbaijan Grand Prix. This sparked rumours of a move to the Red Bull camp for the 2025 season, but the Argentinian's inexperience showed with a pair of violent crashes in Las Vegas and Brazil, and this put Red Bull off his scent. The 21-year-old was subsequently signed by Alpine as a reserve driver for the 2025 season, where he worked in the simulator and stood on the sidelines waiting for his time to shine. To read more articles visit our website.
