@WilliamsRacing unleash striking blue-liveried #FW44 for the 2022 season. #F1

Williams Racing have revealed their new challenger, the stunning blue-liveried FW44 that will compete in the 2022 FIA Formula One World Championship season under the sport’s new raft of rules and regulations designed for closer and competitive racing.

The fresh design features a contrasting diamond shape with flashes of blue and red, embarking on an exciting new era for the Grove-based squad whilst maintaining the classic team spirit.

The team founded by the late-great Sir Frank Williams and now owned by Dorilton Capital enjoyed improved fortunes last season finishing eighth in the World Constructor’s Championship standings.

CEO and Team Principal Jost Capito explained:

“Over its history as an iconic Formula One team, Williams Racing has shown great strength and sophistication. The new visual identity of the 2022 car perfectly encapsulates these characteristics that the staff, drivers and fans have demonstrated time and time again,”

“As we move into the new era of our sport, the FW44 highlights the transition to the future, as well as acknowledging the timeless qualities that make us who we are. Last season we were thrilled and proud to make such strong advancements as a team, with a number of well-earned points-scoring results in addition to a podium,”

“Looking forward, we want to build on this success, and the FW44 perfectly embodies these ambitions to return to the front of the grid. I look forward to witnessing this progression with Nicholas and Alex at the helm.” Capito concluded. Credit to Williams Racing for the quote.

The new technical regulations have brought with them radically different looking cars up and down the grid, with the hope of encouraging closer, wheel-to-wheel racing.

The Mercedes-powered FW44 features several aerodynamic changes to it’s FW43B predecessor, including front-wheel fins and wheel covers, 18 inch low-profile Pirelli tyres and rolled-tip rear wings.

Changes to the front and rear wings to make them more simplified, as well as underfloor tunnels, will allow cars to have efficient downforce through ground effect.

The driver line-up of Nicholas Latifi and Alexander Albon loved the new look of the Williams and here’s what they said:

“I’m a fan of the new livery,” explained Nicholas Latifi. “Keeping the blue was important as it’s synonymous with Williams, but it’s a pattern we’ve not seen before and the fluorescent red will pop on track which I really like. It’s a fresh new look to start off the new era of F1.” Latifi concluded. Credit to Williams Racing for the quote.

Alex Albon added:

“The FW44 livery is clean and simple. I like that we’ve gone for more blue with the dynamic diamond finish and a little bit of red; it looks really good and I’m looking forward to seeing it out on track.” Albon concluded. Credit to Williams Racing for the quote.

The Williams FW44’s first shakedown

Williams new challenger, the Mercedes-powered FW44 hit Silverstone in it’s first shakedown under damp conditions following the launch.

Whilst the car was being revealed to fans online, the FW44 was being prepared by the Grove-based outfit to hit the track.

Both Nicholas Latifi and Alexander Albon braved out the wet Silverstone circuit to ensure their new office was working as it should.

Designed in line with Formula One’s new technical regulations to encourage closer and competitive racing, the Mercedes-powered FW44 features over-wheel front-tyre fins, wheel covers, Pirelli’s low-profile 18 inch rubber and rolled tip rear wings.

The new cars also have simplified front and rear wings, new noses as well as underfloor venturi-tunnels that will allow the new-gen to create efficient downforce through ground effect.

Inside the car, the 2022 power-trains will run on more sustainable fuel, along with new and improved safety features.

Alexander Albon, who got his first chance to drive a Williams car following his arrival to the Grove-based squad was excited to take to the track:

“It’s really exciting to get behind the wheel of the FW44 today,” explained Albon. “It’s always a big moment when you get in the car for the first time,” said our No23, adding: “The upcoming Barcelona track session will be about making sure we’re efficient with our time to best ensure we have a competitive package heading into the season,”

“We don’t have many days before our first race and so we quickly need to understand which areas of the car are strong and where we need to make improvements. I’m sure it will be a little bit of a learning curve as we all try to learn how to get the most out of the new regulations, but the objectives and the way that we focus on this car is very much the same as in previous years. Ultimately, we’re all still trying to get a racing car around a track as quickly as possible.” Albon concluded. Credit to Williams Racing for the quote.

Looking ahead to next week’s Formula One’s first pre-season test at the Circuit De Barcelona-Catalunya, Nicholas Latifi added:

“I’m super excited for testing in Barcelona, to get back behind the wheel, push and see what the car can do. Pre-season always feels like quite a long time, but it’s been really busy and there’s been a nice build-up at the factory with lots of hard work from everyone. The new regulations should allow for much better racing so I’m excited for the challenge and we will aim to gather some good data from testing, to take us into the first few races.” Latifi concluded. Credit to Williams Racing for the quote.

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