Williams drivers on track in Barcelona
One week after Ferrari, it was the British team's turn to take advantage of the Catalan track to put its drivers Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz through their paces.
Three weeks before the official pre-season tests that will bring together all the teams with their new single-seaters, Williams took advantage of the regulations allowing the testing of old single-seaters to cover some kilometers of running.
Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz took turns driving the FW45 from the 2023 season. A way for the Thai driver to reunite with the team members with whom he will compete in his fourth season.
For the Spaniard, it was about continuing his learning of driving a single-seater from Grove, understanding the functioning of a Mercedes engine, and especially familiarizing himself with the procedures of his new team. The former Ferrari driver had already had the opportunity to drive a Williams during the tests that followed the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix last December.
The Williams test takes place within the framework of the TPC (Test of Previous Cars), which allows a team to have drivers run cars that are 2, 3, or 4 years old. Teams are not allowed to test new parts that could later be used on the car in the upcoming season. These types of tests can be spread over 20 days within a limit of 1000 kilometers.
With only 17 points, Williams finished second-to-last in the constructors’ championship in 2024. This year, the team based in Grove is relying on its duo of drivers to climb up the ranks, particularly on Carlos Sainz, on whom team principal James Wolves places many hopes.
