Williams has already fixed the problems which led to their disastrous 2018 Formula 1 campaign, technical chief Paddy Lowe has claimed.
An attempted change in philosophy led to a flawed car design which left the British team stuck at the back of the grid through this past season, ending at the bottom of the Constructors’ Championship with just seven points to their name.
Some progress was made during the year without yielding any improvement in results, however, the former Mercedes boss is sure that enough has been done to avoid a repeat next season.
“2018 was an extremely difficult year for Williams,” Lowe admitted. “But the good thing is people have recognised the problems and are working hard on them.
“I’m not going to make pinpoint predictions and say we will improve in the World Championship, but I know we will be better. We have already completed the turnaround.”
Also Read:
- Russell sets midfield goal for Williams in 2019
- Are Williams in an irreversible decline?
- Kubica suggests Williams ignored early driver concerns over 2018 car
Several key names have left including the heads of both design and aerodynamics while Rob Smedley has also stepped away from his position as head of performance engineering.
For 2019, Williams will also feature an all-new driver line-up in F2 champion George Russell and former Grand Prix winner Robert Kubica yet Lowe has indicated more changes in personnel should be expected.
“You need changes in the organisation, but these do not take effect immediately,” he continued.
“We are the third oldest team in Formula 1 and some employees have been with us for many, many years.
“Sometimes you need a little fresh blood. We have to make sure that we have the skilled workers with the right knowledge to plot a new approach.
“We are currently on this journey.”
Indeed, much like McLaren, another team Lowe formerly worked with, he believes the problems have built up over multiple years.
“Our last victory was back in 2012 with Pastor Maldonado in Spain and the last victory before that was in 2004. That was a long time ago,” he said.
“My conclusion: our performance has been poor for years.”
However, he does think the foundations are in place to once again become a competitive force.
“We have experienced and loyal people, we have a great racing car factory, we own our own land and all the buildings, which is not the case with all racing teams,” he said.
“We have a first-class wind tunnel. All the ingredients are there, now it’s all about how we use them.”
