The FW46 Hits the Track for the First Time in Bahrain

Williams Racing’s 2024 Formula 1 challenger, the FW46, made its on-track debut yesterday during a pre-season promotional filming day at the Bahrain International Circuit ahead of the Official Pre-Season Test. Alex Albon and Logan Sargeant shared driving duties across the 200 kilometres of running as they completed their first laps in the new car.

Design, development and production of the FW46 have been the focus of the team for many months, with this moment signifying an enormous effort from everyone at Grove, and at the track, as Williams Racing takes the next step on the long-term journey back to the front of the grid. Williams has made F1 history before with 16 World Championships and 114 race wins and is out to make history again.

The design of the FW46 is in line with the minor FIA Technical Regulation changes outlined for 2024, continuing to focus on cost cap efficiencies and promoting closer racing. To address sport-wide safety concerns, the FW46 includes changes to the homologation tests for both the primary roll hoop structure at the top of the chassis, and the front wheel tethers. There is a change to regulations regarding the detailed design of the floor edge. The FW46 respects these updates, with the remainder of the design dictated by the trade-off between performance improvement and cost-cap restrictions.

An updated chassis design has been incorporated into the FW46, which is married to a 2024-specification Mercedes-Benz Power Unit and in turn to a Mercedes-Benz gearbox. For 2024, the rear suspension is also provided by Mercedes-Benz, with the front suspension being an in-house Williams Racing design. Aerodynamically, the FW46 builds on the experience gained from the FW45 and incorporates a much higher level of detailed design in all the critical areas.

The filming day also marked the track debut of the team’s new partners and livery that was unveiled in New York on February 5. The livery blends past glory with future aspirations featuring a vibrant colour transition from Heritage Navy Blue to New Era Williams. A red and white pinstripe, reflecting Williams’ position as a British icon and inspired by historic cars is meticulously integrated for a classy yet powerful look. Branding from new partners Komatsu and VAST Data add to this year’s energetic design alongside our existing partners, and the filming day also marked the first track outing for our driver racewear and official team kit provided by PUMA.

The team now turns its attention to 2024's Official Pre-Season test in Bahrain to learn more about the FW46 across the three days from 21-23 February.