Motorsport TechnologyFor dedicated fans of the sport, Williams Racing will always be one of the best loved teams in Formula One.
The legendary exploits of championship-winning drivers such as Keke Rosberg, Alan Jones, Nigel Mansell, Nelson Piquet, Alain Prost, Jacques Villeneuve and Damon Hill means that the team boasts an incredible nine constructors’ titles and seven drivers’ titles.
Yet that is not half of the story as to why Williams is such a great team in the hearts and minds of many. Formed way back in 1977 by the now knighted Sir Frank Williams, the team performed miracles on a shoe-string budget thanks to a combination of great leadership, great engineering (Williams having recruited talented engineer Patrick Head) and fantastic driver recruitment.
Charismatic Aussie Alan Jones won Williams the first of its titles in 1980 and six more followed, proving that a privateer team really could challenge the might of the big manufacturers and continue to dominate the sport.
Now under the guidance of Sir Frank’s daughter Claire, the Williams team is targeting a return to former glories and Acronis is proud to partner one of the greatest teams in the history of the sport.
STRENGTHS: One of the best-loved teams on the grid, Williams will not be lacking in crowd power wherever it goes. In F2 champion George Russell and the fairy-tale return of Robert Kubica, Williams possesses one of the most exciting driver line-ups on the grid. Focus on the 2019 car will have started early after a disappointing 2018.
WEAKNESSES: It has been a long time now since Williams stood on the top step of the podium and the combination of the pressure of returning to former glories is palpable. Just as winning breeds confidence with Mercedes, the reverse could be the case here.
Craig Scarborough
Fraser Masefield