Williams FW44
Alexander Albon in the Williams FW44 during free practice at the 2022 Austrian Grand Prix
CategoryFormula One
ConstructorWilliams
Designer(s)François-Xavier Demaison (Technical Director)
Adam Carter (Engineering Director)
Dave Wheater (Head of Aerodynamics)
David Worner (Design Director)
Jonathan Carter (Head of Design)
PredecessorWilliams FW43B
SuccessorWilliams FW45
Technical specifications
ChassisCarbon-fibre monocoque, laminated from carbon epoxy and honeycomb
Suspension (front)Double wishbone, push-rod activated springs and anti-roll bar
Suspension (rear)Double wishbone, pull-rod activated springs and anti-roll bar
Width2000mm
Height970mm[1]
EngineMercedes-AMG M13 E Performance
1.6 L (98 cu in) direct injection V6 turbocharged engine limited to 15,000 RPM in a mid-mounted, rear-wheel drive layout
Electric motorKinetic and Thermal energy recovery systems
TransmissionMercedes-AMG 8 forward + 1 reverse gear seamless sequential semi-automatic shift plus reverse gear, gear selection electro-hydraulically actuated
BatteryLithium-ion battery
Weight798kg (1759 lbs)
FuelPetronas Primax
TyresPirelli P Zero (dry)
Pirelli Cinturato (wet)
Competition history
Notable entrantsWilliams Racing
Notable drivers
Debut2022 Bahrain Grand Prix
Last event2022 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
RacesWinsPodiumsPolesF/Laps
220000

The Williams FW44 is a Formula One racing car designed and constructed by Williams that competed in the 2022 Formula One World Championship. The car was driven by Nicholas Latifi and Alexander Albon, who were in their third and first years with the team respectively. Nyck de Vries participated in the Italian Grand Prix in the FW44, replacing Albon due to the Thai driver suffering appendicitis.[2] The chassis is Williams' first car under the 2022 technical regulations, and their first to be developed wholly under new owners, Dorilton Capital, with Jost Capito at the helm.[3]

Design and development

The FW44 was first revealed on 15 February 2022 with a shakedown at Silverstone Circuit. Both Albon and Latifi drove the car. On the same day, Williams launched their new livery for 2022 which was a darker blue design compared to the previous predominantly white cars.[4][5]

With 2022 featuring new technical regulations, the FW44 is a significantly different design to the FW43. With a notably tight design around the sidepod radiators, aerodynamics from the front pushing air to the floor which will be generating ground effect. The FW44 once again utilised Mercedes AMG engines, however it is the first Williams to also utilise their gearbox.[6][7]

During the first rounds of the season, paint was gradually removed from the FW44 to save weight. Discussions about removing the paint happened, however it did not materialise due to the marketing and sponsorship requirements of the team.[8]

At the British Grand Prix, a major update for the FW44 was revealed with a new floor, sidepod design and rear wing. The design was similar to that of the Red Bull.[9][10] At the following Grand Prix in Austria, Williams added further revisions to the front suspension of the FW44.[11]

Racing performance

At the first round of the season in Bahrain, both Latifi and Albon were able to complete the race. In Saudi Arabia, both cars were involved in collisions but Albon was classified 14th due to the amount of race distance completed. At the third round of the season in Australia, the FW44 picked up its first point with Albon finishing in 10th.[12] In Miami, Albon would finish in 9th place adding two more points to the team total.[13]

Nicholas Latifi during the British Grand Prix

Ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix, Nyck De Vries took the wheel of the FW44 in FP1.[14] He completed 28 laps, and was classified in 18th position ahead of regular driver Nicholas Latifi.[15]

At Silverstone, Albon was involved in a major incident at the first corner involving Zhou Guanyu, George Russell and Pierre Gasly. Zhou's Alfa Romeo flipped over the top of Albon's Williams before launching over the tyre wall into the catch fencing. Albon was sent to University Hospital Coventry for checks after the crash, however was released on the same day.[16][17][18]

Complete Formula One results

key

Year Entrant Power unit Tyres Driver name Grands Prix Points WCC pos.
BHR SAU AUS EMI MIA ESP MON AZE CAN GBR AUT FRA HUN BEL NED ITA SIN JPN USA MXC SAP ABU
2022 Williams Racing Mercedes-AMG F1 M13 P Thailand Alexander Albon 13 14† 10 11 9 18 Ret 12 13 Ret 12 13 17 10 12 WD Ret Ret 13 12 15 13 8 10th
Canada Nicholas Latifi 16 Ret 16 16 14 16 15 15 16 12 Ret Ret 18 18 18 15 Ret 9 17 18 16 19†
Netherlands Nyck de Vries 9
Reference:[19][20]

References

  1. ^ Thompson, Neil (15 February 2022). "Williams Mercedes FW44 Technical Specification". The Williams Grand Prix Database. Retrieved 26 March 2022.
  2. ^ "Albon ruled out of Italian Grand Prix with appendicitis, as replacement De Vries prepares to make F1 race debut | Formula 1®". www.formula1.com. Retrieved 11 September 2022.
  3. ^ "Formula 1 2022 Technical Regulations" (PDF). Retrieved 20 January 2022.
  4. ^ "Recap 2022 Season Launch". Williams F1. Retrieved 7 July 2022.
  5. ^ "The FW44 debuts at Silverstone shakedown". Williams F1. Retrieved 7 July 2022.
  6. ^ "ANALYSIS: Williams forge their own path with FW44 design". Formula 1. Retrieved 7 July 2022.
  7. ^ "Williams FW44 tech rundown with Craig Scarborough". Motorsport Technology. 18 March 2022. Retrieved 7 July 2022.
  8. ^ "Williams engineers asked if entire F1 car could be stripped of paint". Autosport. 3 May 2022. Retrieved 7 July 2022.
  9. ^ "Williams unveils heavily updated FW44 for Albon at Silverstone". Motorsport Web. July 2022. Retrieved 7 July 2022.
  10. ^ "How Williams F1 update isn't just a Red Bull clone". Autosport. 30 June 2022. Retrieved 7 July 2022.
  11. ^ "Latest Austrian GP F1 updates revealed". Motorsport. 8 July 2022. Retrieved 8 July 2022.
  12. ^ "Alex Albon reveals Australian Grand Prix tactics after unexpected points finish". The Independent. 12 April 2022. Retrieved 7 July 2022.
  13. ^ "Albon: Miami result "less surprising" than Australia". Autosport. 11 May 2022. Retrieved 7 July 2022.
  14. ^ "De Vries to be 'thrown in the deep' on FP1 bow". Planet F1. 18 May 2022. Retrieved 7 July 2022.
  15. ^ "FORMULA 1 PIRELLI GRAN PREMIO DE ESPAÑA 2022 - PRACTICE 1". Formula 1. Retrieved 7 July 2022.
  16. ^ "Albon 'pretty much back to normal' after Silverstone crash – as he confirms Williams' update package is 'salvageable'". Formula 1. Retrieved 7 July 2022.
  17. ^ "British Grand Prix: Zhou Guanyu and Alex Albon escape major injuries after alarming Silverstone crash". Sky Sports. Retrieved 7 July 2022.
  18. ^ "Albon released from hospital following Silverstone crash". Planet F1. 3 July 2022. Retrieved 7 July 2022.
  19. ^ "2022 Constructor Standings". Formula1.com. 20 March 2022. Retrieved 21 March 2022.
  20. ^ "Williams FW44". StatsF1. 20 March 2022. Retrieved 23 March 2022.
Categories