In Last Word On Sport\u2019s series of 2024 F1 Reviews, we turn to Williams, who faced one of their worst seasons yet.<\/p>\n
The 2024 Formula 1 season was a challenging one for Williams Racing. They ended the year ninth in the Constructors\u2019 standings with 17 points – 29 points behind RB in eighth.<\/p>\n
Despite moments of promise, the season was marred by inconsistencies, technical setbacks, and a mid-season driver change that reflected the team\u2019s search for solutions.<\/p>\n
After scoring 28 points in the 2034 Constructors’ standings, there were expectations of an upward trajectory<\/a> from Williams in 2024.<\/p>\n However, they have yet to see this progress.<\/p>\n Their biggest priority for the FW46 was to refine its characteristics<\/a> and ensure it was well-driven across all conditions. But transforming it into a points-scoring car has been their biggest challenge yet.<\/p>\n Alex Albon had previously commented that the simulator work had shown improvement in areas such as low speed and braking<\/a>.<\/p>\n However, translating these improvements into the track became another challenge they had to endure.<\/p>\n Their major upgrade package introduced in Zandvoort<\/a> helped to improve the performance of the FW46. They particularly brought huge changes to the car’s aerodynamic profile by primarily adjusting the floor.<\/p>\n This ended up bringing some progress in the next few rounds such as in Azerbaijan. Consequently, Williams scored their best result of the season with P7 and P8.<\/p>\n READ MORE<\/strong>: What Did Lando Norris Teach Us in the 2024 Formula 1 Season?<\/a><\/p>\n As the most experienced driver in Williams’ 2024 line-up, Alex Albon<\/a> carried the weight of expectation on his shoulders.<\/p>\n Tasked with guiding the team forward and scoring crucial points, Albon\u2019s expertise proved invaluable in both car development<\/a> and overall team progress. His detailed feedback played a key role in addressing the car’s weaknesses.<\/p>\n However, Albon\u2019s season was not without setbacks. A string of mechanical failures and incidents with other drivers repeatedly denied him valuable points.<\/p>\n In Bahrain, mechanical issues hampered his race, while collisions with Kevin Magnussen in Saudi Arabia and Carlos Sainz in Canada further added to his frustration.<\/p>\n Despite these challenges, Albon showcased his quality, with strong qualifying performances. His efforts were rewarded with Williams\u2019 first points of the season in Monaco. This was followed by another solid points finish at Silverstone, his home Grand Prix, affirming his importance to the team.<\/p>\n Williams’ decision to extend the British-Thai driver’s contract to a multi-year deal reflects their faith in his abilities.<\/p>\n After scoring his only F1 career points in Austin last year, Logan Sargeant was kept on for 2024 hoping he would do better<\/a> this time.<\/span><\/p>\n However, his frequent mistakes on track did not help him to remain in the team much longer.<\/p>\n Crashes after crashes lowered the expectations of him extending his stay in the team, much less in Formula One.<\/span><\/p>\nUpgrades That Defined Their Season<\/h4>\n
Alex Albon, Logan Sargaent and Franco Colapinto: Trials of the trio<\/h4>\n
Albon: A Valuable Teammate<\/h5>\n
Sargaent: Underwhelming and Unfortunate<\/h5>\n