Williams decided to make significant changes to their car for the 2024 season in order to improve their performance on a wider range of circuits. While the FW45 was known for its impressive top speed in the previous year, the team realized that they needed a more balanced car that could deliver consistent results across various tracks. This new approach meant sacrificing some of the straightline advantage the car used to enjoy, as Albon mentioned that he had to focus more on overtaking in the corners rather than on the straights.
Heading into the race weekend at Suzuka, Albon acknowledged that the Williams car was not particularly well-suited to the track. This admission prompted the team to search for ways to increase their straight-line speed, especially in a circuit that featured a lot of medium to high-speed corners. Despite starting from 14th on the grid for the upcoming race, Albon remained optimistic about the race day performance, particularly due to the team’s decision to opt for a ‘skinny wing’ setup, aimed at enhancing their competitiveness on the straights.
During the qualifying session, Albon experienced a slide at the Spoon corner while pushing for a quick lap in Q2. Despite this setback, he managed to keep his foot down and minimized the time lost. He explained that the abrasive nature of the track surface, combined with tire overheating issues, made it challenging to extract maximum performance lap after lap. Albon admitted that the team had been slightly on the backfoot throughout the weekend, but remained hopeful for a stronger showing in the race.
Despite the challenges faced at Suzuka, Albon expressed optimism regarding the update package introduced in Japan. He highlighted the introduction of a different front wing as part of the upgrades, noting that while some improvements were noticeable, there was still a need for further understanding of its impact on the car’s performance. Albon’s feedback suggested that the team was working diligently to address the weaknesses of the car and make necessary adjustments to enhance its competitiveness in the upcoming races.
The strategic changes made by Williams for the 2024 season reflect a shift towards a more balanced and competitive car design. While the team encountered challenges at specific tracks like Suzuka, the commitment to continuous improvement through update packages and strategic adjustments bodes well for their performance in the remainder of the season. Albon’s feedback and insights provide valuable information on the team’s progress and areas of focus as they strive to maximize their potential on the Formula 1 grid.
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