The F1 paradox that’s holding Williams back

Alex Albon's committed his long-term future to a Williams team whose 2024 Formula 1 car is much better than its predecessor.

But you wouldn't know from the results that it had improved - if anything the team's in a worse position. We explain why and what Williams is trying to achieve this year.

00:00 The F1 paradox that’s holding Williams back
01:07 Peaky car in 2023
02:17 A consistent car
05:08 Development setbacks
07:04 Reason for hope

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[AlexandreMS]

3:16 - It's insane how small is the gap from first to last, I remember the old 107% rule in the not so old days.
Newer fans think the gap is big today, they never saw the time when it was usual for the entire field to be lapped at least one time, except for the 2 first places. Some cars where lapped 3, 4 even more times.
Today 1% off the pace is huge.

[broccoliface]

Newey should do a "Football Manager" challenge and rejoin Williams for a back-to-front effort

[outlawfps]

Something worth noting is that Williams also did well last year because the Haas and Alfa were DREADFUL and the alpha tauri was only good past summer break. So the 7th place they earned was inflated for more than just a peaky car.

[daweithisisdavidinmandarin]

For some reason, I have a soft spot for Williams. Perhaps it was the late Frank's personality or its innovative origin and early 2000s record. But there is something nice about them. Last year, Albon brought a lot of excitement to the races and it was kind of a neat story. Hopefully, the consistent approach is the way to go and by 2026 we can have a competitive Williams again!

[maxafc]

I think this shows why you need points further down, otherwise teams are incentivised to build a car that works really well at a few tracks than one that is decent everywhere. Because 1 10th place is better in the championship than 20 11th's

[ehh]

I'm really excited to see how this long term reboot for Williams and Alex develops, and I think James Vowels is cooking a meal for us in 2026! (I think they are a top 4 team challenging for podiums in 2026) Will see how this ages xD

[ralphhathaway-coley]

I think Williams is a bit of a dark horse and Albon consistently under-rated given that their factory infrastructure is so far out of date (due to lack of investment historically) they are consistently overachieving, and due entirely to Albon.
Congratulations to Albon and good luck Williams.
Imagine if Adrian returned on an advisory capacity (not that I think he will).

[into_the_void]

Newy should join Williams as a challenge... That would be fun to see

[BarbaricAvatar]

Being more consistant is the right way to go... for a top team.
It's completely the wrong way to go for a lower midfield team. The advantage to a tempremental peaky car is that it has its really good days which then set the team up for the following season. With a consistant car you're guaranteed to be around the same level every race, and if that level is 13th place then you're stuck there with no hope of "the next track will suit us better".

[Ceece]

If only F1 teams were held to the same “competitive” standard they seem to demand of Andretti: be as competitive as Redbull, Mercedes, and Ferrari or GTFO.

[AbdulRWatches]

Albon staying at Williams with a multi year deal is perfect for more stability. They need an experienced driver alongside, I think Bottas or Occon would be a perfect fit.

[EthanH]

The issue they have by making it a more all-round car is that they lose their advantage in the straight. However it is nice to see that they are focusing on the entire season now

[tuttutteddy]

“20 years behind” and “using excel for car parts” kinda sums up Williams being where they are.

[joehynes]

Lots of teams with upgrades for Imola. Let's all hope for some surprises and a more mixed up grid when the race concludes on Sunday.

[JackNapier]

You have Red Bull, Ferrari, MB, McLaren, and Aston. All of them are fighting for the top 10 positions. Then when one of them mess up an RB takes the position. Not much you can really do when there are 6 teams that are considerably quicker.

[jayman]

Max, Lando, Charles, Albono....all young drivers staying with their teams long term. Seems team fit is big on the younger drivers.

[Tomosautchar]

They should do one race a year where the first place driver drives the last place car and vice verse just to see what happens

[alancx]

Yeah, seems to me that Vowles is getting the engineers used to working on a proper "complete" car design, rather than a "peaky" one, while he strives to get them the tools they need to ultimately produce one. Then once he has got what they need, they are ready to exploit it.

[selder_]

Even with such a volatile driver market, Albon’s best option would’ve been Alpine if a seat became available. Might as well stick where you’re loved and wait for a better opportunity

[cristi-efqf]

This move is more interesting in the red bull seat situation. Sainz might have a chance now.