Williams’ James Vowels criticises FW45’s floor design, suggests it ‘lacks detail’

Team principal James Vowels justifies Williams’ simplistic floor design after it was revealed at the 2023 Monaco Grand Prix

Williams’ James Vowels criticises FW45’s floor design, suggests it ‘lacks detail’

James Vowels (Via: Imago)

After Williams driver Logan Sargeant endured a crash during the Monaco Grand Prix, his car was craned out, revealing the FW45’s basic floor design. The underbelly of the car became a topic of ridicule on social media in no time due to its simplistic nature. Team principal James Vowels, however, defended the floor of the car, saying the angle in which it was taken was incorrect.

Red Bull and Mercedes, too, endured the same fate as Williams in Monaco, their floors were more intricate and complex compared to the FW45. “I think one thing to point out is they’re a little bit deceptive. What’s happened here is it’s very focused on that rear diffuser ramp, unlike the other photos that perhaps focus more on the front of the floor and the mid-floor,” argued Vowels.

YouTube video

However, Vowels believes that William’s is lagging compared to other teams on the grid. All that said and done though, we are clearly lacking detail really to our competitors,” stated the Williams team boss. Although, according to him, the lack of performance can be seen in lap times and not just the floor.

FS Video

Also read: Carlos Sainz backs Ferrari despite dismissal start to 2023 season, claims the team is moving in the ‘right direction

James Vowels blames the Barcelona circuit for Williams’ disappointing show at the Spanish Grand Prix

Alex Albon’s FW45 at the 2023 Spanish Grand Prix; Image credit: Wiliams racing

After the Spanish Grand Prix Williams now has six pointless races. Alex Albon was the only point scorer for the British team after classifying P10 in Bahrain. Rookie Logan Sargeant has yet to finish in the points. However, team boss Vowels claims that the results in Barcelona were as expected.

“Barcelona is a more normal circuit compared to perhaps the start of the season where we’ve seen a lot of street tracks,” said the 43-year-old. “It’s also a very high downforce circuit with a different aerodynamic efficiency to what we’ve needed for the first five or six rounds of this season,” he said defending his team’s poor run of form.

After axing Nicholas Latifi last year, William’s appointed their junior driver Logan Sargeant to replace the Canadian. The Grove-based team is last in the constructors’ championship, with only a single point to their name. However, Williams will look forward to the upcoming race in Montreal due to the track’s straight-line nature favoring the FW45.

In case you missed it: