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Paddy Lowe says he is focused on making the Williams a "faster car" for 2018. After years of success with McLaren and Mercedes, the Briton and technical expert is now a shareholder and boss at Williams.
But following a brief renaissance, the once-great British team has more recently slumped again to fifth in the world championship. Lowe, however, sees brighter times ahead. "It's been a good year with some interesting challenges," he told France's Auto Hebdo. "Getting familiar with the team, facing some difficulties specific to the middle teams compared to the ones at the front, is a new experience," Lowe added.
He insists that Williams is still a good F1 team. "Williams is a good team, often setting the standards in pitstops for instance and our way of operating," he said. "On the other hand, we need a faster car," Lowe admitted. "We have the ambition to move forward and win again. That's why we're here."
He said Williams is currently hard at work on the 2018 car, including integrating the controversial Halo protection system. "It's an important project, with an impact that is more structural than aerodynamic," Lowe explained. "Making the right decisions for next year's car is an important project for the coming months. We'll see what we can learn from this year," he said. (GMM)
Grand Prix of Belgium
G. Zhou
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Replies (11)
Login to replycalle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Obviously, lest you want to fight against Sauber for the last scraps next year?
krommenaas
Posts: 155
You mean Toro Rosso. Sauber will probably the 8th team, ahead of Haas and TR.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
No, I do very much mean Sauber. I dont think they'll get out of their slump for next year. Even with a good engine they've been unable to be competitive, and Im pretty sure Haas will remain ahead of them. TR has a far better budget, and has been able to do much from little before. Sauber hasnt. That is, if we assume that Honda will still be far behind in 2018, something Im not convinced of.
boudy
Posts: 1,168
I just wonder how good this car could be with drivers like Hamilton/Verstappen or Ricciardo/Vettel.
Their current driver line-up is not the best so getting average results next year will be the all they can hope for.
Although Stroll has improved he is still not worth driving in that Williams on talent alone no matter what Williams tries to tell us.
RogerF1
Posts: 501
Not significantly better I doubt. Maybe nipping at the heels of Force India I would guess so overall only a place or two. Massa was no slouch and good enough to get close to the best out of the car.
Barron
Posts: 625
Paddy Lowe had better do more than “Eye a faster car” for 2018! Don’t ‘Eye it’ Draw it! You have to remember he was also responsible for some of the worst McLaren designs of the past 10 years. So, how good is he? We’re about to find out...
f1ski
Posts: 726
mclaren is only better since Prodromou returned after leaving RBR learning a few tricks.
Major Tom
Posts: 152
They certainly need a faster car. Even with Kubica (if he is anything like his old form, which seems unlikely) they look like they have one of the weakest driver pairing on the grid.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
I'd say Williams' driver pairing for next year will likely be on par with the likes of Haas, Sauber or TR for next year.
Barron
Posts: 625
Realistically, their target is to be at least on par with FI because they have more budget and much better resources. The mid field is going to be crazy next year if you accept that Merc Ferrari & RB are going to be the ones up front.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
If it follows that trend then I'll be pleased. In 2016 and 2017 the midfield was where most of the action was found, if we get a competitive 3 team top and a competitive midfield then I'll be very pleased.