Williams can repeat the resurgence McLaren has enjoyed in recent years as “a minimum” going forward, new CEO Jost Capito claims.
At the end of 2018, both teams, who sit behind Ferrari as the most successful in Formula 1 history, were fighting at the back of the grid as they struggled with flawed car designs.
For Williams, the situation hasn’t improved competitively-speaking, finishing bottom on the Constructors’ Championship for the third straight year in 2020.
In contrast, McLaren has rebounded, finishing third in the standings behind Mercedes and Red Bull last season.
Also Read:
- Russell sure of Williams progress but Ferrari gains are a worry
- Russell ignoring Mercedes talk, sees a ‘bright future’ at Williams
- Williams owners urged to spend big after ‘unheard of’ gains in 2020
And it is that kind of revival which Capito hopes to kick-start at the Grove-based squad.
“I think McLaren has done a fantastic job in recent years and the answer is very short – there is no reason why we couldn’t do the same,” the German, who was at McLaren in 2016, stated at Williams’ recent launch.
“I think we have everything in place that we could do exactly the same. To give a timing on that of two, three or four years is impossible to say. But I’m absolutely convinced we can do a minimum of what McLaren has done.”
Last year saw Williams undergo the biggest change in its 44-year history as financial issues caused the family to end their involvement and sell to American firm Dorilton Capital.
But with the new ownership and much-needed investment now in place, Capito is confident the outlook is bright for a team that hasn’t won in nearly nine years.
“I have been very impressed by Dorilton, they are very good owners with the right mindset and resources and they are very supportive to the team,” he said.
“We are at the dawn of a new era for Williams. I would characterise 2021 as a transitional year for the team, where our aim is to close the gap to as much as possible.
“However, our resources are already focused on 2022 and the new regulations. This is where we see the opportunity to make the first significant steps in competitiveness for Williams in our new era, and from there we will build.
“But we are realistic, there is never a quick fix. What we are developing is the step-by-step, long-term plan, to restore this great team to the front-end of Formula 1.
“So while we will still be racing as hard as we can in 2021, our focus is already very much on building for the future from 2022 and beyond.”