A detailed look at the profile of Formula 1 team, Williams – Part 1
One of the oldest teams of Formula 1 Williams became a part of the sport back in 1975 and are still running effectively despite having a lot of ups and downs throughout their career.
The team was not known as Williams officially until 1978 and it became one of the most well known and competitive teams of the sport in just a matter of years since people like Frank Williams and Patrick Head initialised the team.
Nevertheless, the team at first used Ford engines and it seems that during the first couple of years, these engines did not suit the car. In just a matter of a couple of years though, the team started to perform up to the mark and Ford engines started to
suit their respective car a lot.
The team used these engines until 1983 before striking a deal with Honda. However, after 3 disappointing years in the sport, the team finally became reliable as they finished in 2nd place in the constructors’ standings in 1979 before
winning their first constructors’ title in 1980.
This was a huge breakthrough for the team as they proceeded secure another title the following year and proved that they had the capability of taking on the giants of that time that were Lotus, McLaren and Ferrari to name a few.
Despite the fact that the team signed a driver like Nigel Mansell, the team was unable to score some good results in the beginning but in 1986, the team also signed Nelson Piquet after which the team secured its 3rd constructors’
title.
The team defended its title the following year as well before going through another tough phase. Williams signed a deal with Judd as their engine suppliers in 1988 and it turned out to be a disastrous season for the team as they finished in 7th place
in the constructors’ standings.
After that, the team signed a deal with Renault as their engine suppliers and quite surprisingly, the team started to improve and perform at its best once again despite the fact that Nigel Mansell departed from the team until 1991 when he rejoined them once
again.
1992 was a groundbreaking year for the team as they secured another constructors’ title once again and in 1993, the team signed the legendary Alain Prost alongside Damon Hill which was a dream team for many. The team defended its titles successfully that
year and in 1994, the team signed David Coulthard, Nigel Mansell and Ayrton Senna but unfortunately, Senna went through a fatal accident and passed away during the San Marino Grand Prix.
This was one of the most upsetting moments in the history of the sport and despite this heartbreaking incident, Williams secured the titles once again which was very impressive.
The following year was quite amazing for the team once again despite the fact that they were unable to secure the constructors’ title. David Coulthard and Damon Hill teamed up to perform affectively for the team but in 1996, the team signed Jacques Villeneuve
alongside Damon Hill and secured the constructors’ title once again.
At this point, it was quite clear that Williams were one of the best consistent teams the sport had ever witnessed and the team did not stop just yet as they carried on with this dominance even further.
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