Williams overhaul is to thank for return to winning ways, says Maldonado

The Venezuelan, who is in his second season with Williams, believes that the team has transformed its approach since last season under new technical director Mike Coughlan and chief operations engineer Mark Gillan.

"We took a great step forward because we changed a lot of things in the factory," Maldonado said on Thursday.

"Part of that is that the approach when we get to the track is completely different. We put a lot of things together to make a real step forward so it's difficult to say there is a single thing [making the difference]. We changed everything and I am really happy to be part of that."

Maldonado admitted that the fire that engulfed the Williams pit garage around 90 minutes after the race had dampened spirits.

But despite that, the prevailing feeling was happiness about ending a Williams victory drought that stretched back to the 2004 Brazilian Grand Prix.

"It was a difficult moment for all of the team," said Maldonado of the fire. "But we have been so happy even after that because it has been nearly eight years that Williams has not got to the top of the podium. The win is a big motivation for everyone."

For an in-depth analysis of how Williams rebuilt itself into a winning grand prix team, check out this week's AUTOSPORT magazine