Williams FW37

Williams FW37
Felipe Massa driving the FW37 at the Malaysian Grand Prix
CategoryFormula One
ConstructorWilliams
Designer(s)Pat Symonds (Chief Technical Officer)
Ed Wood (Chief Designer)
Jason Somerville (Head of Aerodynamics)
PredecessorWilliams FW36
SuccessorWilliams FW38
Technical specifications[1]
ChassisCarbon epoxy and honeycomb monocoque
Suspension (front)Double wishbone suspension, with push-rod activated springs and Williams dampers
Suspension (rear)Double wishbone suspension, with pull-rod activated springs and Williams dampers
Length5,000 mm (196.9 in)
Width1,800 mm (70.9 in)
Height950 mm (37.4 in)
EngineMercedes PU106B Hybrid Turbo 1.6 L (98 cu in) V6 engine (90°), limited to 15,000 RPM in a mid-mounted, rear-wheel drive layout
Electric motorMercedes PU106B Hybrid Motor Generator Unit–Kinetic (MGU-K)
Mercedes PU106B Hybrid Motor Generator Unit–Heat (MGU-H)
TransmissionWilliams 8-speed sequential semi-automatic
FuelPetrobras
TyresPirelli P Zero (dry), Cinturato (wet)
Competition history
Notable entrantsWilliams Martini Racing
Notable drivers19. Brazil Felipe Massa
77. Finland Valtteri Bottas
Debut2015 Australian Grand Prix
Last event2015 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
RacesWinsPodiumsPolesF/Laps
190400

The Williams FW37 is a Formula One racing car designed by Williams Grand Prix Engineering which Williams Martini Racing used to compete in the 2015 Formula One season. It was driven by Valtteri Bottas and Felipe Massa. It proved to be competitive, with both drivers scoring 4 podiums, and finishing the 2015 season in 3rd.

The car was launched on 1 February 2015.[2]

Background and design

Bottas at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, notice the Martini branding is absent from the car to comply with local regulations

Williams were first in presenting their 2015 car, releasing a computer rendering on 21 January 2015. The peculiar 'anteater' nose design of the 2014 car was dropped in favour of a lower and shorter one. The Williams team retained the Martini alcohol brand as their main sponsor, thereby keeping the car in the traditional Martini Racing colours.[3]

Racing history

A reasonably competitive car that finished in the points at almost every race, it ultimately helped the team secure its second consecutive third-place finish with 257 points in the Constructors' Championship. The team achieved 4 podium finishes, two each for both Massa and Bottas. The team proved arguably less competitive late in the season as they shifted development towards the 2016 car relatively early. The car though was still highly competitive, it did not score as many points as its predecessor and was overshadowed by Mercedes and a resurgent Scuderia Ferrari.

Valtteri Bottas leads teammate Felipe Massa at the Malaysian Grand Prix

Livery

At the Mexican Grand Prix, to promote the film Spectre, the 007 logos featured on the side mirrors.

Complete Formula One results

(key)

Year Entrant Engine Tyres Drivers 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 Points WCC
2015 Williams Martini Racing Mercedes PU106B Hybrid P AUS MAL CHN BHR ESP MON CAN AUT GBR HUN BEL ITA SIN JPN RUS USA MEX BRA ABU 257 3rd
Felipe Massa 4 6 5 10 6 15 6 3 4 12 6 3 Ret 17 4 Ret 6 DSQ 8
Valtteri Bottas DNS 5 6 4 4 14 3 5 5 13 9 4 5 5 12† Ret 3 5 13

† Driver failed to finish the race, but was classified as they had completed greater than 90% of the race distance.

References

  1. ^ "Williams Mercedes FW37 Technical Specification". WilliamsF1.com. Williams Grand Prix Engineering Limited. Archived from the original on 17 April 2015. Retrieved 17 April 2015.
  2. ^ "WILLIAMS MARTINI RACING LAUNCH THE FW37 AT THE FIRST TEST IN JEREZ". Williams Grand Prix Engineering. Williams Grand Prix Engineering Limited. 1 February 2015. Archived from the original on 1 February 2015. Retrieved 1 February 2015.
  3. ^ "First image of Williams FW37 revealed". PlanetF1. 21 January 2015. Archived from the original on 22 January 2015. Retrieved 21 January 2015.
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