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Williams recovery will take a 'long time'

Published on 12 Feb 2019 11:57
9
By: Fergal Walsh

Williams deputy team principal Claire Williams has warned that Williams' recovery will take a long time as it looks to bounce back from the lows of 2018.

The Grove outfit was the grid's clear backmarkers throughout the season, ending the year bottom in the constrcutors' championship with seven points. The team had fundamental aerodynamic issues that hampered both its downforce and straight-line speed.

In 2019, it will run a revised driver line-up of Robert Kubica, who returns to a race seat after an absence of nine years, and George Russell, who will make his debut in Formula 1 after winning the Formula 2 championship in 2018.

On Monday, Williams unveiled its brand new livery at its launch event, as well as its new title sponsor ROKiT. Speaking to Sky Sports F1, Williams admitted that it is working hard to get back to winning ways, but it will be a drawn-out process.

“This year is still a journey for us. It will continue to be so until we get back to where we want to be, and that’s on the top step of the podium,” Williams said. “Obviously we were last in the championship last year. It takes a long time to get back from that, it’s going to take a lot of hard work.

“We’ve got some great people at Williams. We’ve really left no stone unturned to make sure we address every area of weakness within the team. But as I said, that’s going to take a bit of time. So we’ll see where we get to next year, but it’s got to be a year of improvement.”

Williams was also asked if the team is at a disadvantage as it doesn't have a tie to a bigger team like Toro Rosso, who works closely with its sister team Red Bull: “Of course they aren’t helpful for independent constructors as we are, as McLaren are, that build and construct and develop our race cars in house with our own people," she replied.

“But I know our governing body and the promoters, FOM, are working hard in order to bring new regulations about from ’21 and beyond that will see that capability change somewhat."

calle.itw

Posts: 8,527

No, but a leader unwilling to change what needs to change is. I think Claire could stay as a spoke's person, but something need to happen if Williams is to return to the top, and I don't think funds will help them at this rate.

3
Feb 12 2019 - 17:59

F1 News Robert Kubica George Russell Scott Speed Claire Williams Jock Clear Paddy Driver Bob Said Williams McLaren

Replies (9)

talktohenry

Posts: 362
Maybe never...............
- + 0
- Feb 12 2019 - 14:31
Rindtchamp

Posts: 304
The first step to recovery is to remove the problem.. ie remove Claire Williams
- + 1
- Feb 12 2019 - 15:24
- xoya
  
  Posts: 583
  I don't think that she is the problem. It has more to do with lack of funding. They should get more sponsors somehow. One person cannot be responsible for the whole team underperforming.
  + 0
  
  Feb 12 2019 - 17:18
- calle.itw
  
  Posts: 8,527
  No, but a leader unwilling to change what needs to change is. I think Claire could stay as a spoke's person, but something need to happen if Williams is to return to the top, and I don't think funds will help them at this rate.
  + 3
  
  Feb 12 2019 - 17:59
- F1todayfan101
  
  Posts: 120
  @xoya: money isnt the problem.
  
  Its not all Claire's fault, but they need a stronger leader and to get rid of a lot of dead wood and adopt to the modern world and bring the business up to date. The racing team mentality doesnt work any more
  + 0
  
  Feb 13 2019 - 11:45
- Ram Samartha
  
  Posts: 1,172
  Frankly I don't think she's a very good spokesperson. Why even make a public statement like this? It sends the wrong message to the team and fans. Shut up about how it's going to take a long time and with head down and sleeves rolled up, get busy, and then let the car do the talking.
  + 0
  
  Feb 13 2019 - 15:57
ajpennypacker

Posts: 2,475
Either it will take a long time, or.... they get rid of Claire and the pace of recovery accelerates massively. Williams, as far as I know, is effectively being held back. Because they have the talent, the facilities, and the know-how. The problem is organizational. No different than what Mclaren had. McLaren shook things up, fired some people, replaced others, and seem to be on the road to recovery. Williams however, nepotism seems to be part of the culture.
- + 1
- Feb 12 2019 - 19:08
Danimal5981

Posts: 579
Sauber was at the bottom for a while and also has moved up again. This will also be the first car under Paddy Lowe's supervision, from A to Z, maybe it'll help.

As for Claire Williams, she appears to be a British polite diplomat but not a tough decision making manager. Rob Smedley has left now.
- + 0
- Feb 13 2019 - 09:18
Sadtomato

Posts: 48
I rhnk they need someone clever to design tbem a car. If they are using the same people as last year heaven help them.
- + 0
- Feb 14 2019 - 16:30