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Williams’ issues have cost them a great deal of success this season, and recent information suggests their Mecedes’ power unit cannot be blamed.
Williams team principal James Vowles recently admitted that the team are implementing a ‘medium-term’ approach to resolving their many issues.
Vowles previously expressed frustration with Mercedes over their power unit, suggesting that they hadn’t received enough information to get the most out of the car.
Prove us wrong – Carlos Sainz made a mistake signing for Williams over Audi
Toto Wolff shut down Williams’ complaints, noting that Mercedes cannot cater to each customer and their specific needs as a supplier.
However, for all the complaints Vowles has had about the power unit, Williams’ weight issues are holding them back far more.
READ MORE: Carlos Sainz earning points for Williams cannot become a ‘smokescreen’ for glaring issues
Williams reportedly losing significant time due to weight issues
Tom Clarkson and Jolyon Palmer discussed on the F1 Nation podcast the problems Williams are facing with their weight issues, and how it’s impacting their performance on the track.
According to Clarkson, who spoke to a Williams engineer, the FW48 is losing a second of pace with each lap they complete, owing to the car being overweight.
Clarkson: “One of the engineers told me that in weight alone, it’s about a second a lap, compared to people who are on the weight limit.”
Palmer: “I heard in Bahrain that the car was heavier this year than it was last year. Bear in mind the weight limit has come down by 32 kilos, TC. That’s outrageous. That’s what they’re dealing with.”
“The weight is a natural penalty. It makes about a second a lap. Probably there’s a few sensors on the car in testing that they can take off and trim it down a little bit.”
“So the weight’s a second. Good. There’s a chance you can take off the weight and find it, but you need to still be able to take off the weight.”
“They’ve got hopes for Miami. With a bit more time now, they’ll be able to trim weight off the car. But we’re not talking about one magic fix.”
“We’re talking about every single component, trying to shave off grams here or there, and add downforce, so it’s a double-edged sword.”
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Speaking further on the issue, Tom Clarkson added that Williams’ issues have led to Carlos Sainz being immensely frustrated with the team.
Palmer: “Remember, everyone else is going to be finding performance as well. So they’ve got a lot more to come as a ceiling. That’s the good news. The bad news is they’ve got another second to find before they’re in the midfield.”
Clarkson: “And that’s why Carlos Sainz wasn’t so jolly when you spoke to him after the race. Because he knows it’s a long road.”
Palmer: “Precisely, and I think it’s the hope of Williams on the end of last year to this year. That’s why they’re such a disappointment to me.”
After securing his first points this season, Sainz reminded Williams their issues need addressing, and that there was no cause to celebrate.
The five-week gap Williams have been afforded due to the cancellation of the races in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia must be put to good use, as they are currently lagging behind many of their rivals.
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