Williams FW41 Mercedes

[Zynerji]

There's a tiny wing above the tail light
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DXN36vSX4AA126t.jpg:large

Via @ScarbsTech

This diffuser is almost a copy of the mercedes. Looks like Paddy took a lot of IP to williams.

That, and the works-level chassis integration knowledge.

That, and pay driver money for in-season aero development, is why Williams is my Dark Horse pick for 2018.

[Mr Brooksy]

I thought this was an interesting review of the new FW41.

https://www.racefans.net/2018/03/04/wil ... -analysis/

[Maritimer]

Aluminium gearbox will stay for the full season. No carbon case for 2018.

With the minimum weight being so high, is it even a big deal about the carbon gearboxes? I wouldn't think it would be as huge as when the cars were 605kg minimum...

Not from a pure weight perspective, but you still want every component as light as possible to allow more ballast. Controlling where the weight is, is more of a concern.

[Zynerji]

Aluminium gearbox will stay for the full season. No carbon case for 2018.

With the minimum weight being so high, is it even a big deal about the carbon gearboxes? I wouldn't think it would be as huge as when the cars were 605kg minimum...

Not from a pure weight perspective, but you still want every component as light as possible to allow more ballast. Controlling where the weight is, is more of a concern.

I understand that, but being on the central axis, at the RW axle centerline, I would expect the effect to be very minimal, and probably more efficient to spend in other areas.

I'm quite surprised that they don't buy Merc gearboxes, but according to Newey's book, Patrick Head loves to build gearboxes... This might be a vanity expense in the end.

[Maritimer]

Williams have been making their gearboxes for decades now haven't they? Could be a pride thing, why buy it when you can make it yourself and know every single detail. A carbon gearbox could allow them to move that weoght further forward or rearward if they needed to, although I don't know what regulations surround CG and weight distribution.

[designf1]

[media]https://twitter.com/ImanHansra/status/9 ... 9475915776[/media]

[Sevach]

[Morteza]

Via AMuS

[Morteza]

Via @F1debrief

[Sevach]

The rear suspension follows last years STR style.

[Morteza]

Via AMuS

[Zynerji]

https://imgr1.auto-motor-und-sport.de/S ... 150899.jpg
Via AMuS

New rules for smooth endplates on the rear wing are going to suck!

These items are literal works of art!

[ScrewCaptain27]

Williams have been making their gearboxes for decades now haven't they? Could be a pride thing, why buy it when you can make it yourself and know every single detail. A carbon gearbox could allow them to move that weoght further forward or rearward if they needed to, although I don't know what regulations surround CG and weight distribution.

I remember reading around 2014 that it's also a matter of cost efficiency, since they already have all of the required tooling and personnel to build their own gearboxes.

[Sevach]

Williams have been making their gearboxes for decades now haven't they? Could be a pride thing, why buy it when you can make it yourself and know every single detail. A carbon gearbox could allow them to move that weoght further forward or rearward if they needed to, although I don't know what regulations surround CG and weight distribution.

I remember reading around 2014 that it's also a matter of cost efficiency, since they already have all of the required tooling and personnel to build their own gearboxes.

They were also selling gearboxes back then.

[Moose]

Aluminium gearbox will stay for the full season. No carbon case for 2018.

With the minimum weight being so high, is it even a big deal about the carbon gearboxes? I wouldn't think it would be as huge as when the cars were 605kg minimum...

Bear in mind that last year even Mercedes were overweight at the start of the season. It's far from easy to get the cars down to the minimum weight.