Williams released the first images of its '14 challenger: the Williams Mercedes FW36. The FW36 is one of the most technologically-advanced F1 cars produced by Williams. It is the culmination of more than two years research and development by the team's technical departments in Grove and it incorporates the power unit from the team's new partner, Mercedes-Benz.
Williams Chief Technical Officer Pat Symonds said,
"There's a lot more technology on the cars this year. We've had turbo-charged engines in F1 before; what's different this time is that it is much more than just an engine change, it is a completely different system" (Williams). In London, Kevin Eason wrote Williams Deputy Team Principal Claire Williams "has been actively recruiting technical talent over the winter" in concert with Symonds, who joined in the middle of last year. There "are signs of the old giant stirring and fans the world over will be delighted if the Williams name is regular visitor to the F1 podium." The biggest change for the FW36 "is the addition of Mercedes power for the first time." Williams "turned to the Germans as the massive regulation changes to engines, swapping powerful V8 petrol engines for hybrid systems, came into force." The pair has been working closely together since last spring, a boost for Williams which has been able to get on with its design work -- "as well as producing a launch car in a snazzy blue livery" (LONDON TIMES, 1/23).
