Williams won't compromise 2022 F1 car to boost 2021 performance

Williams CEO Jost Capito says it will not compromise the development of its 2022 Formula 1 challenger in a bid to improve the performance of its 2021 car.

Williams left the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix as the ninth fastest team, with only Haas behind it in the F1 pecking order.

George Russell did make it into Q2, but struggled to stick with the Alfa Romeo duo of Kimi Raikkonen and Antonio Giovinazzi on race day - often in 2020, Alfa Romeo was Williams’ closest rivals with Haas.

Explaining Williams’ development plan for the season, Capito confirmed the Grove-based outfit is focusing its time and energy on next year’s car.

“I think, as you say it, and as I mentioned before it is a transitional season ‘21 and we are really focusing on the ‘22 car and we are not going to take compromises on the ’22 car because of the ’21 car,” Capito said ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix.

“There is not so much more we can do on the ’21 car. We will fight through the season, we will push, we know where the car is and we will of course do further development but what can be done without compromising the ’22 car.” 

Williams has already strengthened its technical team with the signing of ex-Volkswagen rally designer François-Xavier Demaison as its new technical director.

Demaison and Capito worked together during their time at Volkswagen and he fills the role vacated by Paddy Lowe, who left Williams in 2019. 

Speaking of Demaison’s arrival, Capito added: “First of all, the technical team of Williams works pretty well, so it’s nothing that he comes and has to fix something that is broken. Second, as I know FX he is a relentless worker. 

“He is a workaholic and since he sees the chance that he could become technical director at Williams I’m absolutely pretty sure it’s a lot of time he spent, all his free time he spent to understand the regulations and to fully understand Formula 1. 

“And I know he is in close contact with Willy Rampf as well, so I think he is very well prepared when he arrives.”