Capito: Williams won't sacrifice 2022 car to make gains in 2021
Williams says it will not make any compromises with its 2022 Formula 1 car design in a bid to push itself further up the grid this year.
The Grove-based outfit is hoping to move up from the bottom of the F1 constructors’ championship table this season, with its main rivals set to be Haas and Alfa Romeo.
But although wanting to do well with its current car, it is well aware of the opportunities that will come from the all-new 2022 rules.
Williams CEO Jost Capito insists that the priority is to make sure that its 2022 challenger is as good as can be, even if that means it cannot give everything it wants to its current car.
“It is a transitional season ‘21 and we are really focusing on the ‘22 car,” said Capito. “We are not going to take compromises on the ’22 car because of the ’21 car.
“There is not so much more we can do on the ’21 car. We will fight through the season, and we will push. We know where the car is and we will of course do further development but what can be done without compromising the ’22 car.”
Jost Capito, CEO, Williams
Photo by: Steven Tee / Motorsport Images
While Williams has found itself battling to just finish in the points over the past few seasons, it believes that the change of regulations for next year do offer a huge opportunity to shake up the competitive picture.
With new owners Dorilton Capital injecting money in to the operation, Capito expects a dramatic transformation in Williams’ fortunes.
And that long term ambition is why he thinks it impossible to judge this year how good a job the team has done.
“We really need a significant step in '22 with the new regulation and with a new car,” he explained. “So that is where we are aiming at.
“That means for '21 we will still fight, and want to make the best out of it. But we are not measuring the success in points or in positions. We try to understand the car more.
“Of course we do some smaller developments when we know something is wrong, or we can improve. Of course, we will do that, but we will not be sacrificing on the '22 car.”
Related video
Previous article
Cable tip off an example of "super spy" Hamilton’s focus
Next article
Why the FIA has got tough on F1 car inspections
About this article
| Series | Formula 1 |
| Teams | Williams |
| Author | Jonathan Noble |
The back-bedroom world-beater that began a new F1 era
The first in a line of world beaters was designed in a back bedroom and then constructed in a shed. STUART CODLING recalls the Tyrrell 001
The clues Hamilton’s F1 contract afterthought gives to his future
The Formula 1 world reacted with surprise when it learned Lewis Hamilton’s long-awaited new Mercedes deal guarantees his presence on the grid only until the end of 2021. Both parties claimed publicly they were happy with the arrangement but, asks MARK GALLAGHER, is there more to it than that?
How a harshly ejected Red Bull star has been hooked by racing again
Driver-turned-DJ Jaime Alguersuari lost his love for motorsport when he was booted out of Formula 1 just as he was starting to polish his rough edges. Having drifted from category to category then turned his back on racing altogether in 2015, he’s come full circle and is planning a return in karts for fun
Why Mercedes isn't confident it's really ahead of Red Bull at Imola
While Mercedes struck back against Red Bull by topping the times at Imola on Friday ahead of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, the overall picture remains incredibly close. Despite having a possible edge this weekend, the reigning Formula 1 world champion squad is not taking anything for granted...
What Mercedes must do to keep its F1 title challenge on track
Mercedes may find itself leading the drivers' and constructors' standings after Lewis Hamilton's victory in the Bahrain Grand Prix, but it is well-aware that it came against the odds, with Red Bull clearly ahead on pace. Here's what the Brackley team must do to avoid its crown slipping
Why Tsunoda can become Japan’s greatest F1 talent
While Japan's fever for motor racing is well-documented, the country has yet to produce a Formula 1 superstar – but that could be about to change, says BEN EDWARDS
Why the demise of F1's hypocritical spending habit is cause for celebration
For too long, F1's richest teams have justified being able to spend as much as they want because that's the way they've always conducted their business. STUART CODLING says that's no reason not to kick a bad habit
The double whammy that is defining Vettel’s F1 fate
It's been a tough start to Sebastian Vettel's Aston Martin F1 career, with a lack of pre-season testing mileage followed by an incident-packed Bahrain GP. But two key underlying factors mean a turnaround is not guaranteed
