Understanding the plight of Williams
Once again, Williams has found itself in the unenviable position of having to recover from a slow start to the season. But after more than 100 races without a win, can the team be expected to return to the sharp end of the grid? Edd Straws takes a close look at Williams's problems to find out the answer
Asking when sleeping giant Williams will rise from its slumber has become a Formula 1 cliche. Over a century of races have been and gone - 108, to be precise - since a Williams driver last stood on the top step of the podium. The team's worst-ever start to a season, with zero points and a best result of 13th, suggests that it could be some time before we see the signs of stirring that so many yearn for.
If something has slumbered for over six years, it's reasonable to question whether it isn't sleeping at all. To develop the metaphor, perhaps Williams is more accurately regarded as a comatose giant? After all, 42 races have been and gone since one of its drivers even made the podium. The statistics leave no room for doubt: Williams is firmly in the wilderness.
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