Discussion
From reading various articles its main issues are it's overweight (by a lot apparently) and lacks downforce. Which of those two are the fundamental issue Russel refers to I don't know but I'd guess it's the weight. Takes a lot of reworking a car to reduce the weight by any appreciable amount.
From Autosport:
Autosport said:
It should not be ignored that under Lowe, Williams never replaced its chief designer Ed Wood or performance head Rob Smedley.
If that is so (no replacement Chief Designer) then that might well explain the lateness - the Chief Designer's job is absolutely that, to make sure the whole design process runs properly!TheDeuce said:
On a mildly positive note though, Williams are one of the few teams in the history of the sport that could raise headlines so high whilst being back markers. We seem to have ended up with a season in which one of the biggest stories is about a team which aren't actually in the competition at all 
Perhaps similar to Eddie the Eagle?Fortitude said:
TheDeuce said:
On a mildly positive note though, Williams are one of the few teams in the history of the sport that could raise headlines so high whilst being back markers. We seem to have ended up with a season in which one of the biggest stories is about a team which aren't actually in the competition at all
Perhaps similar to Eddie the Eagle?If Williams got their F1 car to jump 6 buses I'd be impressed. Just finding the pace to overtake 6 buses would be a reasonable improvement
Williams being run with ‘fear and terror’ – Ralf
Andrew Maitland
March 22, 2019
Ralf Schumacher, who won all six of his F1 victories with the British team, thinks the problem at Williams could be its management.
He told Germany’s motorsport-total.com that the struggling Oxfordshire based outfit is currently being run with “fear and terror”.
Schumacher, 43, said it was the same as when Sir Frank Williams ran the team alone in the 70s.
“Williams has a very special leadership style. As long as Patrick Head was there it was balanced,” he said.
“It’s a style of leadership from the 70s and 80s, a bit of a reign of fear and terror. It’s a shame, because I think people need to be motivated.”
Head, though, has long retired, and the team is now run by Sir Frank’s daughter Claire.
“With the current structure, Williams cannot get the best out of its employees, because there is no team cohesion,” Schumacher said. “The engineers are working against each other more than with each other.
“Unfortunately, Claire has kept her father’s habits, and she should certainly wonder if that is the right job for her. Perhaps Williams’ team management needs to be restructured,” he added.
“A man (Paddy Lowe) who has just been fired was very successful at other teams, and even he failed to put Williams back on track. That’s enough to start asking questions,” said Ralf.
https://grandpx.news/williams-being-run-with-fear-...
Claire Williams should consider her position in charge, says Ralf Schumacher
Ben Issatt Formula 1 22 March 2019
Claire Williams should consider her position as deputy team boss, says Ralf Schumacher.
The German, who raced for the British outfit between 1999-2004, made the claim as he evaluated their difficult start to 2019, which has seen their problems from last year only worsen.
Having missed almost three days of pre-season testing, Robert Kubica and George Russell circulated at the back in Australia, well off the pace of the rest of the grid.
Offering his view, Schumacher pointed to the long-standing management approach of Williams to their F1 team, believing it doesn't work in today's environment.
"Williams has a very special leadership style. As long as Patrick Head was there it was balanced," he was quoted by Motorsport-Total.com
"It's a style of leadership from the 70s and 80s, a bit of a reign of fear and terror. It's a shame because I think people need to be motivated.
"With the current structure, Williams cannot get the best out of its employees, because there is no team cohesion," Schumacher continued.
"The engineers are working against each other more than with each other."
Since pre-season testing, technical director Paddy Lowe has taken a leave of absence, but that, Ralf claims, is just another example of Williams' approach failing.
"Unfortunately, Claire has kept her father's habits, and she should certainly wonder if that is the right job for her," he said. "Perhaps Williams' team management needs to be restructured.
"A man [Lowe] who has just been fired was very successful at other teams, and even he failed to put Williams back on track. That's enough to start asking questions."
http://www.insideracing.com/index.php/formula-1/64...
Andrew Maitland
March 22, 2019
Ralf Schumacher, who won all six of his F1 victories with the British team, thinks the problem at Williams could be its management.
He told Germany’s motorsport-total.com that the struggling Oxfordshire based outfit is currently being run with “fear and terror”.
Schumacher, 43, said it was the same as when Sir Frank Williams ran the team alone in the 70s.
“Williams has a very special leadership style. As long as Patrick Head was there it was balanced,” he said.
“It’s a style of leadership from the 70s and 80s, a bit of a reign of fear and terror. It’s a shame, because I think people need to be motivated.”
Head, though, has long retired, and the team is now run by Sir Frank’s daughter Claire.
“With the current structure, Williams cannot get the best out of its employees, because there is no team cohesion,” Schumacher said. “The engineers are working against each other more than with each other.
“Unfortunately, Claire has kept her father’s habits, and she should certainly wonder if that is the right job for her. Perhaps Williams’ team management needs to be restructured,” he added.
“A man (Paddy Lowe) who has just been fired was very successful at other teams, and even he failed to put Williams back on track. That’s enough to start asking questions,” said Ralf.
https://grandpx.news/williams-being-run-with-fear-...
Claire Williams should consider her position in charge, says Ralf Schumacher
Ben Issatt Formula 1 22 March 2019
Claire Williams should consider her position as deputy team boss, says Ralf Schumacher.
The German, who raced for the British outfit between 1999-2004, made the claim as he evaluated their difficult start to 2019, which has seen their problems from last year only worsen.
Having missed almost three days of pre-season testing, Robert Kubica and George Russell circulated at the back in Australia, well off the pace of the rest of the grid.
Offering his view, Schumacher pointed to the long-standing management approach of Williams to their F1 team, believing it doesn't work in today's environment.
"Williams has a very special leadership style. As long as Patrick Head was there it was balanced," he was quoted by Motorsport-Total.com
"It's a style of leadership from the 70s and 80s, a bit of a reign of fear and terror. It's a shame because I think people need to be motivated.
"With the current structure, Williams cannot get the best out of its employees, because there is no team cohesion," Schumacher continued.
"The engineers are working against each other more than with each other."
Since pre-season testing, technical director Paddy Lowe has taken a leave of absence, but that, Ralf claims, is just another example of Williams' approach failing.
"Unfortunately, Claire has kept her father's habits, and she should certainly wonder if that is the right job for her," he said. "Perhaps Williams' team management needs to be restructured.
"A man [Lowe] who has just been fired was very successful at other teams, and even he failed to put Williams back on track. That's enough to start asking questions."
http://www.insideracing.com/index.php/formula-1/64...
Fortitude said:
Williams being run with ‘fear and terror’ – Ralf
Andrew Maitland
March 22, 2019
Ralf Schumacher, who won all six of his F1 victories with the British team, thinks the problem at Williams could be its management.
He told Germany’s motorsport-total.com that the struggling Oxfordshire based outfit is currently being run with “fear and terror”.
Schumacher, 43, said it was the same as when Sir Frank Williams ran the team alone in the 70s.
“Williams has a very special leadership style. As long as Patrick Head was there it was balanced,” he said.
“It’s a style of leadership from the 70s and 80s, a bit of a reign of fear and terror. It’s a shame, because I think people need to be motivated.”
Head, though, has long retired, and the team is now run by Sir Frank’s daughter Claire.
“With the current structure, Williams cannot get the best out of its employees, because there is no team cohesion,” Schumacher said. “The engineers are working against each other more than with each other.
“Unfortunately, Claire has kept her father’s habits, and she should certainly wonder if that is the right job for her. Perhaps Williams’ team management needs to be restructured,” he added.
“A man (Paddy Lowe) who has just been fired was very successful at other teams, and even he failed to put Williams back on track. That’s enough to start asking questions,” said Ralf.
https://grandpx.news/williams-being-run-with-fear-...
Claire Williams should consider her position in charge, says Ralf Schumacher
Ben Issatt Formula 1 22 March 2019
Claire Williams should consider her position as deputy team boss, says Ralf Schumacher.
The German, who raced for the British outfit between 1999-2004, made the claim as he evaluated their difficult start to 2019, which has seen their problems from last year only worsen.
Having missed almost three days of pre-season testing, Robert Kubica and George Russell circulated at the back in Australia, well off the pace of the rest of the grid.
Offering his view, Schumacher pointed to the long-standing management approach of Williams to their F1 team, believing it doesn't work in today's environment.
"Williams has a very special leadership style. As long as Patrick Head was there it was balanced," he was quoted by Motorsport-Total.com
"It's a style of leadership from the 70s and 80s, a bit of a reign of fear and terror. It's a shame because I think people need to be motivated.
"With the current structure, Williams cannot get the best out of its employees, because there is no team cohesion," Schumacher continued.
"The engineers are working against each other more than with each other."
Since pre-season testing, technical director Paddy Lowe has taken a leave of absence, but that, Ralf claims, is just another example of Williams' approach failing.
"Unfortunately, Claire has kept her father's habits, and she should certainly wonder if that is the right job for her," he said. "Perhaps Williams' team management needs to be restructured.
"A man [Lowe] who has just been fired was very successful at other teams, and even he failed to put Williams back on track. That's enough to start asking questions."
http://www.insideracing.com/index.php/formula-1/64...
Thanks for sharing. Interesting although I think nothing that hasn't been heavily speculated in this thread already without R Shumachers' comments.Andrew Maitland
March 22, 2019
Ralf Schumacher, who won all six of his F1 victories with the British team, thinks the problem at Williams could be its management.
He told Germany’s motorsport-total.com that the struggling Oxfordshire based outfit is currently being run with “fear and terror”.
Schumacher, 43, said it was the same as when Sir Frank Williams ran the team alone in the 70s.
“Williams has a very special leadership style. As long as Patrick Head was there it was balanced,” he said.
“It’s a style of leadership from the 70s and 80s, a bit of a reign of fear and terror. It’s a shame, because I think people need to be motivated.”
Head, though, has long retired, and the team is now run by Sir Frank’s daughter Claire.
“With the current structure, Williams cannot get the best out of its employees, because there is no team cohesion,” Schumacher said. “The engineers are working against each other more than with each other.
“Unfortunately, Claire has kept her father’s habits, and she should certainly wonder if that is the right job for her. Perhaps Williams’ team management needs to be restructured,” he added.
“A man (Paddy Lowe) who has just been fired was very successful at other teams, and even he failed to put Williams back on track. That’s enough to start asking questions,” said Ralf.
https://grandpx.news/williams-being-run-with-fear-...
Claire Williams should consider her position in charge, says Ralf Schumacher
Ben Issatt Formula 1 22 March 2019
Claire Williams should consider her position as deputy team boss, says Ralf Schumacher.
The German, who raced for the British outfit between 1999-2004, made the claim as he evaluated their difficult start to 2019, which has seen their problems from last year only worsen.
Having missed almost three days of pre-season testing, Robert Kubica and George Russell circulated at the back in Australia, well off the pace of the rest of the grid.
Offering his view, Schumacher pointed to the long-standing management approach of Williams to their F1 team, believing it doesn't work in today's environment.
"Williams has a very special leadership style. As long as Patrick Head was there it was balanced," he was quoted by Motorsport-Total.com
"It's a style of leadership from the 70s and 80s, a bit of a reign of fear and terror. It's a shame because I think people need to be motivated.
"With the current structure, Williams cannot get the best out of its employees, because there is no team cohesion," Schumacher continued.
"The engineers are working against each other more than with each other."
Since pre-season testing, technical director Paddy Lowe has taken a leave of absence, but that, Ralf claims, is just another example of Williams' approach failing.
"Unfortunately, Claire has kept her father's habits, and she should certainly wonder if that is the right job for her," he said. "Perhaps Williams' team management needs to be restructured.
"A man [Lowe] who has just been fired was very successful at other teams, and even he failed to put Williams back on track. That's enough to start asking questions."
http://www.insideracing.com/index.php/formula-1/64...
It's interesting that when insiders and outsiders form the same opinion, it's usually fairly accurate. There is something about Williams that smells of infighting for sure. Who do you fire when everyone is doing their own job immaculately in order to not get fired, but the final result is useless because not one of those people gave any thought to their colleagues efforts when the results were bought together?
Answer = fire nobody, they're all capable. Improve management and bring the team back together.
rallycross said:
Very interesting that he should say that now - does he still have some Friends in Williams from all those years ago that he is helping ?
How long since Ralph has been quoted on anything in the British press?
No smoke without fire - he obviously did not get on well with Davros.
Maybe the press only reached out to him when they realised Williams were in trouble enough to make a story? The motivation can work both ways.How long since Ralph has been quoted on anything in the British press?
No smoke without fire - he obviously did not get on well with Davros.
However, whatever the reason he chose to speak up it's not like he needs the money or attention. In the end the words were his own and there is no reason to doubt his views.
As I said, it's nothing new, just another person that feels the same way about this crap storm at Williams.
The key areas hurting Williams's performance
Autosport
Published on Mar 22, 2019
Now we've seen how far off the pace Williams is when it counts in F1 2019, the big question is how can it solve its problems? The team hinted that it has at least identified what those problems are, although it kept its cards close to its chest over what it needs to solve. Scott Mitchell and Jake Boxall-Legge join Glenn Freeman to discuss why the FW42's "fundamental" troubles go further than a lack of downforce, as we start to uncover what else is wrong with this year's Williams
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_SCwZH88wU
The glimpse of light at Williams's darkest time in Formula 1
Published on Friday March 22nd 2019
By Scott Mitchell
C&P this section;
"The encouragement of pre-season testing, once the car finally made it to the track, was that it was much more stable than last year's, and that achieved a primary target.
Though the car lacks overall downforce, there is a foundation to work from, and the problem holding Williams back is clearly about more than just aerodynamic performance.
The comments of Russell and team-mate Robert Kubica about how it impacts the car's inherent performance at low-fuel, plus Williams suffering a bigger deficit in qualifying than in race trim, suggest it is weight-related.
Williams's new car being overweight would not be a surprise. It would be a continuation of a problem that, under Lowe, was engineered into a chubby 2018 car hampered by its cooling package."
https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/142273/the-glimp...
Autosport
Published on Mar 22, 2019
Now we've seen how far off the pace Williams is when it counts in F1 2019, the big question is how can it solve its problems? The team hinted that it has at least identified what those problems are, although it kept its cards close to its chest over what it needs to solve. Scott Mitchell and Jake Boxall-Legge join Glenn Freeman to discuss why the FW42's "fundamental" troubles go further than a lack of downforce, as we start to uncover what else is wrong with this year's Williams
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_SCwZH88wU
The glimpse of light at Williams's darkest time in Formula 1
Published on Friday March 22nd 2019
By Scott Mitchell
C&P this section;
"The encouragement of pre-season testing, once the car finally made it to the track, was that it was much more stable than last year's, and that achieved a primary target.
Though the car lacks overall downforce, there is a foundation to work from, and the problem holding Williams back is clearly about more than just aerodynamic performance.
The comments of Russell and team-mate Robert Kubica about how it impacts the car's inherent performance at low-fuel, plus Williams suffering a bigger deficit in qualifying than in race trim, suggest it is weight-related.
Williams's new car being overweight would not be a surprise. It would be a continuation of a problem that, under Lowe, was engineered into a chubby 2018 car hampered by its cooling package."
https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/142273/the-glimp...
Fortitude said:
The key areas hurting Williams's performance
Autosport
Published on Mar 22, 2019
Now we've seen how far off the pace Williams is when it counts in F1 2019, the big question is how can it solve its problems? The team hinted that it has at least identified what those problems are, although it kept its cards close to its chest over what it needs to solve. Scott Mitchell and Jake Boxall-Legge join Glenn Freeman to discuss why the FW42's "fundamental" troubles go further than a lack of downforce, as we start to uncover what else is wrong with this year's Williams
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_SCwZH88wU
The glimpse of light at Williams's darkest time in Formula 1
Published on Friday March 22nd 2019
By Scott Mitchell
C&P this section;
"The encouragement of pre-season testing, once the car finally made it to the track, was that it was much more stable than last year's, and that achieved a primary target.
Though the car lacks overall downforce, there is a foundation to work from, and the problem holding Williams back is clearly about more than just aerodynamic performance.
The comments of Russell and team-mate Robert Kubica about how it impacts the car's inherent performance at low-fuel, plus Williams suffering a bigger deficit in qualifying than in race trim, suggest it is weight-related.
Williams's new car being overweight would not be a surprise. It would be a continuation of a problem that, under Lowe, was engineered into a chubby 2018 car hampered by its cooling package."
https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/142273/the-glimp...
Interesting although their top speeds were actually closer to the Mercedes than most other teams in Melbourne, which tallies with lack of downforce, and would seem to suggest the cars not slow due to weight.Autosport
Published on Mar 22, 2019
Now we've seen how far off the pace Williams is when it counts in F1 2019, the big question is how can it solve its problems? The team hinted that it has at least identified what those problems are, although it kept its cards close to its chest over what it needs to solve. Scott Mitchell and Jake Boxall-Legge join Glenn Freeman to discuss why the FW42's "fundamental" troubles go further than a lack of downforce, as we start to uncover what else is wrong with this year's Williams
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E_SCwZH88wU
The glimpse of light at Williams's darkest time in Formula 1
Published on Friday March 22nd 2019
By Scott Mitchell
C&P this section;
"The encouragement of pre-season testing, once the car finally made it to the track, was that it was much more stable than last year's, and that achieved a primary target.
Though the car lacks overall downforce, there is a foundation to work from, and the problem holding Williams back is clearly about more than just aerodynamic performance.
The comments of Russell and team-mate Robert Kubica about how it impacts the car's inherent performance at low-fuel, plus Williams suffering a bigger deficit in qualifying than in race trim, suggest it is weight-related.
Williams's new car being overweight would not be a surprise. It would be a continuation of a problem that, under Lowe, was engineered into a chubby 2018 car hampered by its cooling package."
https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/142273/the-glimp...
Their cornering speeds however, were abysmal. They were further away from Mercedes cornering speeds than anyone else. Weight can reduce cornering speed of course, but not as much as low downforce. By which I mean, a 'heavy' F1 car is only slightly heavier than any other. But an F1 car with poor aero could suffer a major shortfall in downforce.
This chart shows their relatively competitive straight line speed Vs their totally uncompetitive cornering speeds:
Being surprisingly fast in a straight line, wouldn't be all that surprising at all if downforce is indeed low.
Villeneuve: Choosing Claire over Jonathan a big mistake
Editor
13 July, 2018
Jacques Villeneuve does not mince his words when he talks about the team that took him to his one Formula 1 World Championship title in 1997, already indefinitely banned from the Williams paddock compound he has now fired a wicked salvo at deputy team principal Claire Williams.
Villeneuve, driver turned pundit for Sky Italia, did not hold back when analysing the dire situation at his former team during an embarrassing British Grand Prix weekend on home turf for the Grove outfit,
“The team is dead, I do not see anything there… There is simply no management,” declared Villeneuve in his worst rant about the team since he took on Lance Stroll for his poor performances late last year.
Villeneuve references the family feud that ultimately led to Claire Williams being made the heir apparent to Sir Frank Williams’ in the role as team principal, chosen over her brother Jonathan Williams who now runs the heritage side of the business.
At the time it is believed Sir Frank did not trust that Jonathan had the chutzpah to run the Formula 1 team. In retrospect it appears to be a bad call, now in a time of trouble, he may end up being their saviour.
Villeneuve made no secret of where he believes it all went wrong, “There was an alternative back then: one of the two would be heir and they chose Claire instead of Jonathan – a big mistake, you just have to look where the team is today. ”
“When it comes to a team you first have to look at the top of the pyramid, the fish starts to stink at the head, they’re completely blind when It’s all about understanding where the team stands. They have to admit they messed up. I do not see how the team is going to get out of it, I just do not see it,” lamented Villeneuve.
With a grossly uncompetitive car, no likelihood of meaningful improvement and headlines trumpeting their every failure… and there have been many, the team also faces the prospect of Martini cheques no longer adding to the coffers.
Their freefall in the pecking order also means less prize money when it is awarded at the end of the season, throw in two very miserable pay drivers who are already looking elsewhere and suddenly we looking at a big hole in their future income.
https://www.grandprix247.com/2018/07/13/villeneuve...
Kubica return the wrong message for F1 - Villeneuve
16:30 Sunday 24 March 2019 by
Matthew Scott
Jacques Villeneuve says Robert Kubica's return to Formula 1 after eight years recovering from life-threatening arm injuries is not good for the sport. Former world champion Villeneuve argues that F1's reputation as the pinnacle of motorsport should make it hard to compete in with Kubica's injuries.
Kubica almost completely severed his right arm in a rally crash in 2011, the effects of which remain visible to this day.
The Pole served as Williams' test driver last year and has stepped up to the race team for 2019, having last raced in F1 for Renault in 2010.
Although against his return to F1, Villeneuve credited Kubica's ability to overcome his injuries.
"It is of course a great achievement that Kubica has returned after so many years, really unbelievable," Villeneuve is quoted by Formule 1.
"If you have done something that you love and that you have taken away, you know what you are missing. Then you will work even harder to get it back.
"I am also sure that he will do everything he can to stay at the top. If I were in his shoes, I would do the same. You should not let such a chance pass."
However, Villeneuve sees no benefit to F1 by having Kubica return: "I think it's terrible. This is not good for the sport.
"I already said that last year and I am not going to change my opinion.
"Formula 1 should be the pinnacle of racing, it's the king class. So it is not good for the sport if someone with a disability, because that's what it is, can participate.
"At least not in Formula 1, perhaps in other classes. Formula 1 must be difficult and almost unreachable. Robert's return is not the right message."
https://www.gpfans.com/en/articles/37338/kubica-re...
Editor
13 July, 2018
Jacques Villeneuve does not mince his words when he talks about the team that took him to his one Formula 1 World Championship title in 1997, already indefinitely banned from the Williams paddock compound he has now fired a wicked salvo at deputy team principal Claire Williams.
Villeneuve, driver turned pundit for Sky Italia, did not hold back when analysing the dire situation at his former team during an embarrassing British Grand Prix weekend on home turf for the Grove outfit,
“The team is dead, I do not see anything there… There is simply no management,” declared Villeneuve in his worst rant about the team since he took on Lance Stroll for his poor performances late last year.
Villeneuve references the family feud that ultimately led to Claire Williams being made the heir apparent to Sir Frank Williams’ in the role as team principal, chosen over her brother Jonathan Williams who now runs the heritage side of the business.
At the time it is believed Sir Frank did not trust that Jonathan had the chutzpah to run the Formula 1 team. In retrospect it appears to be a bad call, now in a time of trouble, he may end up being their saviour.
Villeneuve made no secret of where he believes it all went wrong, “There was an alternative back then: one of the two would be heir and they chose Claire instead of Jonathan – a big mistake, you just have to look where the team is today. ”
“When it comes to a team you first have to look at the top of the pyramid, the fish starts to stink at the head, they’re completely blind when It’s all about understanding where the team stands. They have to admit they messed up. I do not see how the team is going to get out of it, I just do not see it,” lamented Villeneuve.
With a grossly uncompetitive car, no likelihood of meaningful improvement and headlines trumpeting their every failure… and there have been many, the team also faces the prospect of Martini cheques no longer adding to the coffers.
Their freefall in the pecking order also means less prize money when it is awarded at the end of the season, throw in two very miserable pay drivers who are already looking elsewhere and suddenly we looking at a big hole in their future income.
https://www.grandprix247.com/2018/07/13/villeneuve...
Kubica return the wrong message for F1 - Villeneuve
16:30 Sunday 24 March 2019 by
Matthew Scott
Jacques Villeneuve says Robert Kubica's return to Formula 1 after eight years recovering from life-threatening arm injuries is not good for the sport. Former world champion Villeneuve argues that F1's reputation as the pinnacle of motorsport should make it hard to compete in with Kubica's injuries.
Kubica almost completely severed his right arm in a rally crash in 2011, the effects of which remain visible to this day.
The Pole served as Williams' test driver last year and has stepped up to the race team for 2019, having last raced in F1 for Renault in 2010.
Although against his return to F1, Villeneuve credited Kubica's ability to overcome his injuries.
"It is of course a great achievement that Kubica has returned after so many years, really unbelievable," Villeneuve is quoted by Formule 1.
"If you have done something that you love and that you have taken away, you know what you are missing. Then you will work even harder to get it back.
"I am also sure that he will do everything he can to stay at the top. If I were in his shoes, I would do the same. You should not let such a chance pass."
However, Villeneuve sees no benefit to F1 by having Kubica return: "I think it's terrible. This is not good for the sport.
"I already said that last year and I am not going to change my opinion.
"Formula 1 should be the pinnacle of racing, it's the king class. So it is not good for the sport if someone with a disability, because that's what it is, can participate.
"At least not in Formula 1, perhaps in other classes. Formula 1 must be difficult and almost unreachable. Robert's return is not the right message."
https://www.gpfans.com/en/articles/37338/kubica-re...
Fortitude said:
Villeneuve: Choosing Claire over Jonathan a big mistake
Editor
13 July, 2018
Jacques Villeneuve does not mince his words when he talks about the team that took him to his one Formula 1 World Championship title in 1997, already indefinitely banned from the Williams paddock compound he has now fired a wicked salvo at deputy team principal Claire Williams.
Villeneuve, driver turned pundit for Sky Italia, did not hold back when analysing the dire situation at his former team during an embarrassing British Grand Prix weekend on home turf for the Grove outfit,
“The team is dead, I do not see anything there… There is simply no management,” declared Villeneuve in his worst rant about the team since he took on Lance Stroll for his poor performances late last year.
Villeneuve references the family feud that ultimately led to Claire Williams being made the heir apparent to Sir Frank Williams’ in the role as team principal, chosen over her brother Jonathan Williams who now runs the heritage side of the business.
At the time it is believed Sir Frank did not trust that Jonathan had the chutzpah to run the Formula 1 team. In retrospect it appears to be a bad call, now in a time of trouble, he may end up being their saviour.
Villeneuve made no secret of where he believes it all went wrong, “There was an alternative back then: one of the two would be heir and they chose Claire instead of Jonathan – a big mistake, you just have to look where the team is today. ”
“When it comes to a team you first have to look at the top of the pyramid, the fish starts to stink at the head, they’re completely blind when It’s all about understanding where the team stands. They have to admit they messed up. I do not see how the team is going to get out of it, I just do not see it,” lamented Villeneuve.
With a grossly uncompetitive car, no likelihood of meaningful improvement and headlines trumpeting their every failure… and there have been many, the team also faces the prospect of Martini cheques no longer adding to the coffers.
Their freefall in the pecking order also means less prize money when it is awarded at the end of the season, throw in two very miserable pay drivers who are already looking elsewhere and suddenly we looking at a big hole in their future income.
https://www.grandprix247.com/2018/07/13/villeneuve...
Kubica return the wrong message for F1 - Villeneuve
16:30 Sunday 24 March 2019 by
Matthew Scott
Jacques Villeneuve says Robert Kubica's return to Formula 1 after eight years recovering from life-threatening arm injuries is not good for the sport. Former world champion Villeneuve argues that F1's reputation as the pinnacle of motorsport should make it hard to compete in with Kubica's injuries.
Kubica almost completely severed his right arm in a rally crash in 2011, the effects of which remain visible to this day.
The Pole served as Williams' test driver last year and has stepped up to the race team for 2019, having last raced in F1 for Renault in 2010.
Although against his return to F1, Villeneuve credited Kubica's ability to overcome his injuries.
"It is of course a great achievement that Kubica has returned after so many years, really unbelievable," Villeneuve is quoted by Formule 1.
"If you have done something that you love and that you have taken away, you know what you are missing. Then you will work even harder to get it back.
"I am also sure that he will do everything he can to stay at the top. If I were in his shoes, I would do the same. You should not let such a chance pass."
However, Villeneuve sees no benefit to F1 by having Kubica return: "I think it's terrible. This is not good for the sport.
"I already said that last year and I am not going to change my opinion.
"Formula 1 should be the pinnacle of racing, it's the king class. So it is not good for the sport if someone with a disability, because that's what it is, can participate.
"At least not in Formula 1, perhaps in other classes. Formula 1 must be difficult and almost unreachable. Robert's return is not the right message."
https://www.gpfans.com/en/articles/37338/kubica-re...
More of the same about Williams.. interesting he claims both drivers are looking for other teams though. I suppose it's true that all drivers in lower teams are looking to get a better seat, but I wasn't aware either were actively looking for opportunities elsewhere.Editor
13 July, 2018
Jacques Villeneuve does not mince his words when he talks about the team that took him to his one Formula 1 World Championship title in 1997, already indefinitely banned from the Williams paddock compound he has now fired a wicked salvo at deputy team principal Claire Williams.
Villeneuve, driver turned pundit for Sky Italia, did not hold back when analysing the dire situation at his former team during an embarrassing British Grand Prix weekend on home turf for the Grove outfit,
“The team is dead, I do not see anything there… There is simply no management,” declared Villeneuve in his worst rant about the team since he took on Lance Stroll for his poor performances late last year.
Villeneuve references the family feud that ultimately led to Claire Williams being made the heir apparent to Sir Frank Williams’ in the role as team principal, chosen over her brother Jonathan Williams who now runs the heritage side of the business.
At the time it is believed Sir Frank did not trust that Jonathan had the chutzpah to run the Formula 1 team. In retrospect it appears to be a bad call, now in a time of trouble, he may end up being their saviour.
Villeneuve made no secret of where he believes it all went wrong, “There was an alternative back then: one of the two would be heir and they chose Claire instead of Jonathan – a big mistake, you just have to look where the team is today. ”
“When it comes to a team you first have to look at the top of the pyramid, the fish starts to stink at the head, they’re completely blind when It’s all about understanding where the team stands. They have to admit they messed up. I do not see how the team is going to get out of it, I just do not see it,” lamented Villeneuve.
With a grossly uncompetitive car, no likelihood of meaningful improvement and headlines trumpeting their every failure… and there have been many, the team also faces the prospect of Martini cheques no longer adding to the coffers.
Their freefall in the pecking order also means less prize money when it is awarded at the end of the season, throw in two very miserable pay drivers who are already looking elsewhere and suddenly we looking at a big hole in their future income.
https://www.grandprix247.com/2018/07/13/villeneuve...
Kubica return the wrong message for F1 - Villeneuve
16:30 Sunday 24 March 2019 by
Matthew Scott
Jacques Villeneuve says Robert Kubica's return to Formula 1 after eight years recovering from life-threatening arm injuries is not good for the sport. Former world champion Villeneuve argues that F1's reputation as the pinnacle of motorsport should make it hard to compete in with Kubica's injuries.
Kubica almost completely severed his right arm in a rally crash in 2011, the effects of which remain visible to this day.
The Pole served as Williams' test driver last year and has stepped up to the race team for 2019, having last raced in F1 for Renault in 2010.
Although against his return to F1, Villeneuve credited Kubica's ability to overcome his injuries.
"It is of course a great achievement that Kubica has returned after so many years, really unbelievable," Villeneuve is quoted by Formule 1.
"If you have done something that you love and that you have taken away, you know what you are missing. Then you will work even harder to get it back.
"I am also sure that he will do everything he can to stay at the top. If I were in his shoes, I would do the same. You should not let such a chance pass."
However, Villeneuve sees no benefit to F1 by having Kubica return: "I think it's terrible. This is not good for the sport.
"I already said that last year and I am not going to change my opinion.
"Formula 1 should be the pinnacle of racing, it's the king class. So it is not good for the sport if someone with a disability, because that's what it is, can participate.
"At least not in Formula 1, perhaps in other classes. Formula 1 must be difficult and almost unreachable. Robert's return is not the right message."
https://www.gpfans.com/en/articles/37338/kubica-re...
As for the Kubica comments, I think he'll get some criticism for saying a disabled person shouldn't be in F1. He's probably right, in as much as the sport requires the finest drivers in peak condition, which Kubica may not be... The problem is it's too early to say if Kubicas performance really is affected by his specific disability. It probably is, but we don't know yet.
Not that it really matters who drives the Williams car at the moment - I could drive it and win as many points for the team as kubica or Russell will
So if kubica cares enough about returning to F1 to buy himself his seat, then so be it.Fortitude said:
Villeneuve: Choosing Claire over Jonathan a big mistake
Editor
13 July, 2018
Jacques Villeneuve does not mince his words when he talks about the team that took him to his one Formula 1 World Championship title in 1997, already indefinitely banned from the Williams paddock compound he has now fired a wicked salvo at deputy team principal Claire Williams.
Villeneuve, driver turned pundit for Sky Italia, did not hold back when analysing the dire situation at his former team during an embarrassing British Grand Prix weekend on home turf for the Grove outfit,
“The team is dead, I do not see anything there… There is simply no management,” declared Villeneuve in his worst rant about the team since he took on Lance Stroll for his poor performances late last year.
Villeneuve references the family feud that ultimately led to Claire Williams being made the heir apparent to Sir Frank Williams’ in the role as team principal, chosen over her brother Jonathan Williams who now runs the heritage side of the business.
At the time it is believed Sir Frank did not trust that Jonathan had the chutzpah to run the Formula 1 team. In retrospect it appears to be a bad call, now in a time of trouble, he may end up being their saviour.
Villeneuve made no secret of where he believes it all went wrong, “There was an alternative back then: one of the two would be heir and they chose Claire instead of Jonathan – a big mistake, you just have to look where the team is today. ”
“When it comes to a team you first have to look at the top of the pyramid, the fish starts to stink at the head, they’re completely blind when It’s all about understanding where the team stands. They have to admit they messed up. I do not see how the team is going to get out of it, I just do not see it,” lamented Villeneuve.
With a grossly uncompetitive car, no likelihood of meaningful improvement and headlines trumpeting their every failure… and there have been many, the team also faces the prospect of Martini cheques no longer adding to the coffers.
Their freefall in the pecking order also means less prize money when it is awarded at the end of the season, throw in two very miserable pay drivers who are already looking elsewhere and suddenly we looking at a big hole in their future income.
https://www.grandprix247.com/2018/07/13/villeneuve...
Kubica return the wrong message for F1 - Villeneuve
16:30 Sunday 24 March 2019 by
Matthew Scott
Jacques Villeneuve says Robert Kubica's return to Formula 1 after eight years recovering from life-threatening arm injuries is not good for the sport. Former world champion Villeneuve argues that F1's reputation as the pinnacle of motorsport should make it hard to compete in with Kubica's injuries.
Kubica almost completely severed his right arm in a rally crash in 2011, the effects of which remain visible to this day.
The Pole served as Williams' test driver last year and has stepped up to the race team for 2019, having last raced in F1 for Renault in 2010.
Although against his return to F1, Villeneuve credited Kubica's ability to overcome his injuries.
"It is of course a great achievement that Kubica has returned after so many years, really unbelievable," Villeneuve is quoted by Formule 1.
"If you have done something that you love and that you have taken away, you know what you are missing. Then you will work even harder to get it back.
"I am also sure that he will do everything he can to stay at the top. If I were in his shoes, I would do the same. You should not let such a chance pass."
However, Villeneuve sees no benefit to F1 by having Kubica return: "I think it's terrible. This is not good for the sport.
"I already said that last year and I am not going to change my opinion.
"Formula 1 should be the pinnacle of racing, it's the king class. So it is not good for the sport if someone with a disability, because that's what it is, can participate.
"At least not in Formula 1, perhaps in other classes. Formula 1 must be difficult and almost unreachable. Robert's return is not the right message."
https://www.gpfans.com/en/articles/37338/kubica-re...
I'm not a fan of Villeneuve's big mouth and his wittering and would take little notice but I can't argue much with what he's put out there. Some very bold admissions and changes need to be made at Williams to have even he slightest change for beginning a turnaround. One which would take years to even get in amongst the midfield. Editor
13 July, 2018
Jacques Villeneuve does not mince his words when he talks about the team that took him to his one Formula 1 World Championship title in 1997, already indefinitely banned from the Williams paddock compound he has now fired a wicked salvo at deputy team principal Claire Williams.
Villeneuve, driver turned pundit for Sky Italia, did not hold back when analysing the dire situation at his former team during an embarrassing British Grand Prix weekend on home turf for the Grove outfit,
“The team is dead, I do not see anything there… There is simply no management,” declared Villeneuve in his worst rant about the team since he took on Lance Stroll for his poor performances late last year.
Villeneuve references the family feud that ultimately led to Claire Williams being made the heir apparent to Sir Frank Williams’ in the role as team principal, chosen over her brother Jonathan Williams who now runs the heritage side of the business.
At the time it is believed Sir Frank did not trust that Jonathan had the chutzpah to run the Formula 1 team. In retrospect it appears to be a bad call, now in a time of trouble, he may end up being their saviour.
Villeneuve made no secret of where he believes it all went wrong, “There was an alternative back then: one of the two would be heir and they chose Claire instead of Jonathan – a big mistake, you just have to look where the team is today. ”
“When it comes to a team you first have to look at the top of the pyramid, the fish starts to stink at the head, they’re completely blind when It’s all about understanding where the team stands. They have to admit they messed up. I do not see how the team is going to get out of it, I just do not see it,” lamented Villeneuve.
With a grossly uncompetitive car, no likelihood of meaningful improvement and headlines trumpeting their every failure… and there have been many, the team also faces the prospect of Martini cheques no longer adding to the coffers.
Their freefall in the pecking order also means less prize money when it is awarded at the end of the season, throw in two very miserable pay drivers who are already looking elsewhere and suddenly we looking at a big hole in their future income.
https://www.grandprix247.com/2018/07/13/villeneuve...
Kubica return the wrong message for F1 - Villeneuve
16:30 Sunday 24 March 2019 by
Matthew Scott
Jacques Villeneuve says Robert Kubica's return to Formula 1 after eight years recovering from life-threatening arm injuries is not good for the sport. Former world champion Villeneuve argues that F1's reputation as the pinnacle of motorsport should make it hard to compete in with Kubica's injuries.
Kubica almost completely severed his right arm in a rally crash in 2011, the effects of which remain visible to this day.
The Pole served as Williams' test driver last year and has stepped up to the race team for 2019, having last raced in F1 for Renault in 2010.
Although against his return to F1, Villeneuve credited Kubica's ability to overcome his injuries.
"It is of course a great achievement that Kubica has returned after so many years, really unbelievable," Villeneuve is quoted by Formule 1.
"If you have done something that you love and that you have taken away, you know what you are missing. Then you will work even harder to get it back.
"I am also sure that he will do everything he can to stay at the top. If I were in his shoes, I would do the same. You should not let such a chance pass."
However, Villeneuve sees no benefit to F1 by having Kubica return: "I think it's terrible. This is not good for the sport.
"I already said that last year and I am not going to change my opinion.
"Formula 1 should be the pinnacle of racing, it's the king class. So it is not good for the sport if someone with a disability, because that's what it is, can participate.
"At least not in Formula 1, perhaps in other classes. Formula 1 must be difficult and almost unreachable. Robert's return is not the right message."
https://www.gpfans.com/en/articles/37338/kubica-re...
The making of the Williams Renault FW15c, Alain Prost's last championship winning car
C&P;
On raw pace there simply was no equal to the FW15C for much of the 1993 season. At times Prost was 2 seconds faster in qualifying than his closest rivals Ayrton Senna (McLaren) and Michael Schumacher (Benetton). Prost dominated the opening race but bad luck saw Senna win the next two. The order was restored as the Frenchman won six of the next seven races. His winning streak was eventually ended by team-mate Damon Hill, who won three races on the trot, following his debut victory at Hungary.
Prost won the driver's title and with ten victories in sixteen attempts, Williams convincingly grabbed the constructor's crown. Illustrative of the FW15C's pace was the record of fifteen straight pole positions. Although they look great on paper, the results were not achieved quite as straightforward as may appear at first glance. Described by Prost as a 'Little Airbus', the FW15C was notoriously difficult to drive due to all the electronics often tricking the drivers' senses.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQIPaa7KDTs
C&P;
On raw pace there simply was no equal to the FW15C for much of the 1993 season. At times Prost was 2 seconds faster in qualifying than his closest rivals Ayrton Senna (McLaren) and Michael Schumacher (Benetton). Prost dominated the opening race but bad luck saw Senna win the next two. The order was restored as the Frenchman won six of the next seven races. His winning streak was eventually ended by team-mate Damon Hill, who won three races on the trot, following his debut victory at Hungary.
Prost won the driver's title and with ten victories in sixteen attempts, Williams convincingly grabbed the constructor's crown. Illustrative of the FW15C's pace was the record of fifteen straight pole positions. Although they look great on paper, the results were not achieved quite as straightforward as may appear at first glance. Described by Prost as a 'Little Airbus', the FW15C was notoriously difficult to drive due to all the electronics often tricking the drivers' senses.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LQIPaa7KDTs
HighwayStar said:
I'm not a fan of Villeneuve's big mouth and his wittering and would take little notice but I can't argue much with what he's put out there. Some very bold admissions and changes need to be made at Williams to have even he slightest change for beginning a turnaround. One which would take years to even get in amongst the midfield.
Villeneuve's comments about Claire being picked over her brother ring true with what Peter Windsor said recently, so I'd take notice of that. His comments about Kubica though aren't warranted or needed. sgtBerbatov said:
HighwayStar said:
I'm not a fan of Villeneuve's big mouth and his wittering and would take little notice but I can't argue much with what he's put out there. Some very bold admissions and changes need to be made at Williams to have even he slightest change for beginning a turnaround. One which would take years to even get in amongst the midfield.
Villeneuve's comments about Claire being picked over her brother ring true with what Peter Windsor said recently, so I'd take notice of that. His comments about Kubica though aren't warranted or needed. skwdenyer said:
sgtBerbatov said:
HighwayStar said:
I'm not a fan of Villeneuve's big mouth and his wittering and would take little notice but I can't argue much with what he's put out there. Some very bold admissions and changes need to be made at Williams to have even he slightest change for beginning a turnaround. One which would take years to even get in amongst the midfield.
Villeneuve's comments about Claire being picked over her brother ring true with what Peter Windsor said recently, so I'd take notice of that. His comments about Kubica though aren't warranted or needed. 
t so it's probably wise not to put that past him.skwdenyer said:
You're assuming he didn't just read Peter Windsor's piece and regurgitate it?
In fairness to JV, he experienced the team first hand so no reason he wouldn't have his own thoughts.He's not exactly know for keeping his opinions to himself either, I don't see why he would need to borrow someone else's thoughts on this occasion.
Sometime two people make the same assessment, because they're both looking at the same problem.
Gassing Station | Formula 1 | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff