Alexander Albon, from Williams Racing, stated that the Formula 1 car being overweight for the team’s 2024 season significantly impacted his performance, to the point where he could potentially have beaten Mercedes in the opening race. Williams had previously revealed that due to tight deadlines in assembling their challenger FW46, certain parts of the car ended up being overweight, resulting in a loss of 0.045 seconds per lap. This substantial loss of time per lap caused Williams to drop from seventh to ninth place in the constructors’ championship, with only two points so far this season.
Despite scoring points in Monaco and being in contention in Canada before being hit by Carlos Sainz, Albon acknowledges that Williams has been at a disadvantage. He states: “We have definitely been playing catch-up. We have been working on reducing the weight of the car in the last few races and naturally, we have seen improvements. Unlike other teams where aerodynamics can fluctuate, for us, weight reduction is a guaranteed improvement. Some teams are introducing major upgrades this weekend, while we have smaller updates that still focus on weight reduction.”
Albon firmly believes that if Williams were operating at an ideal weight, they would be competing ahead of their rivals and consistently scoring points. When asked if Williams would be ahead of the midfield without the weight issue, he responds: “Based on the races we’ve had so far this year, it’s almost certain that we would be. However, as other teams are also introducing updates and we’re approaching our target weight, the difference is decreasing. Teams like RB have made significant progress and are developing rapidly. So, while we had a better chance earlier in the year, now that we’re in the middle or still in the early stages of the season, the advantage is diminishing.”
Albon attributed the ongoing weight problem to Williams’ decline compared to their competitors and even believed that surpassing Mercedes was a possibility in Bahrain. “The main factor is weight,” he emphasized. “If we look at it from the first race, it seems likely that we could have stayed ahead of Mercedes in terms of pace. We started the year with a solid foundation, knowing that we wouldn’t have many updates for a while. However, as we were burdened by weight, we had to face the year with a good start and fewer updates along the way. This affected our position on the grid, putting us further back than expected. That’s the crux of the matter. In motorsport, it’s a collaborative effort between the team and the drivers. Looking at last year, we had a great car in many races. It had its flaws, but we managed to score points when it mattered. This year, we simply couldn’t replicate that. We didn’t have standout performances, except for Monaco and Canada. When you’re at a disadvantage with a difference of four or five tenths per lap, especially early in the season, the chances of scoring points are slim.”
However, while the team will make further adjustments this weekend, Albon suspects that the more traditional characteristics of the Barcelona circuit will expose the weaknesses of Williams’ overall package. “I’m curious because realistically, if we compare Monaco and Canada to Barcelona, they are very different tracks,” he acknowledged. “We’ve always struggled here. I don’t anticipate us being as competitive this weekend as we were in the last two races, but I’m open to it. Of course, I would prefer that not be the case, but I believe we will do well. Our focus will be on fighting for points, which will be a bigger challenge.”
© 2024
The world of sports is full of excitement and surprises, and 2024 is no different. With fierce competitions and incredible athletes, fans have a lot to celebrate. This year, we have witnessed historic moments and impressive achievements in various sports.
In football, the Brazilian team showed their strength and skill by winning the World Cup. With talented players and impeccable strategy, the Brazilian team enchanted the world with their unbeatable performance. The Brazilian fans celebrated this memorable victory with enthusiasm and pride.
In basketball, the United States dominated once again. With a team full of NBA stars, the Americans secured the Olympic gold. The players showcased their exceptional skills and left their opponents with no chance. It was a demonstration of talent and determination that will be remembered in the history of the sport.
In tennis, the young promise of the sport, Maria Silva, surprised everyone by winning the Grand Slam. At just 18 years old, she displayed a consistent game and a winning mentality. Her journey inspired many young people to pursue their dreams and believe in their potential.
In addition, other sports also had thrilling moments. In athletics, records were broken and new names emerged. In swimming, swimmers from different countries shone in the pools. And in motorsport, drivers showcased their skill and courage in thrilling races.
2024 is an incredible year for the world of sports. With so many achievements and exciting moments, fans can be proud to be part of this history. May there be more thrilling competitions and may athletes continue to inspire us with their talent and dedication. Sports is a universal passion, and 2024 is gifting us with unforgettable moments.
