Williams’ Podium Push…

By Joe Murphy

Williams’ Team principal James Vowles said that Williams are now more focused downforce. Specifically, on driver-usable downforce.

With a lineup of Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon, it is one of the most envious pairing on the grid. But with this partnership, expectations haven’t been higher in the last decade.

The drivers are talented. It comes down to the car. The front wing is less pronounced than on the 2024 model. It also looks like the leading edge further outboard has been raised. This raises the stagnation point so subsequently, there should be slightly less front downforce. After revealing the car livery last month, it’s also clear that now, there is an increased mass flow to the underfloor leading edge. Other than this, a lot of the mechanics are the same.

As for the back of the car, the rear suspension is arguably where we have seen the biggest shift in looks. As many know, Williams uses the Mercedes transmission unit. However, in 2025, there is now a pushrod rear suspension system.
The modification does mean the transmission housing near the engine-gearbox interface towards the middle of the car, is less wide..

Williams will als hold a notable advantage under braking as the height of the rear will be kept at a more similar level, giving the drivers more confidence as they enter the corner.

The targets in 2025 have to be about scoring serious points. The constructor is clearly P5, so consistent points are not only a hope, they are an expectation. Q3 appearances and top 6 finishes are on the cards. Baby steps ahead of the rule changes set for 2026.