Williams is in anticipation regarding its engines

Williams would like to change engine suppliers and their choice has apparently focused, for a few weeks now, on the Renault engine. Unfortunately, the case in which the manufacturer is involved has most of the Formula 1 players waiting for the verdict, particularly Red Bull and Williams.

“This certainly hasn’t made things easier,” said Patrick Head, co-owner of Williams. “We have not yet decided which engine we will use next year, but we hope it won’t take too long.”

Williams no longer desires to be powered by Toyota and would like to terminate the contract a year before its term. This is partly due to the performance of Kazuki Nakajima, the Japanese driver being included in the contract. Furthermore, a clause in the contract allows Williams to terminate it under certain conditions.

«The original contract gives Williams the right to seek an alternative. […] We do not want to harm Williams for purely contractual reasons, » said John Howett, the president of Toyota, a few weeks ago.

Renault is reportedly the preferred option for Williams, but the French manufacturer risks the maximum penalty: being banned from Formula 1 for a certain period.

Patrick Head revealed that he approached Mercedes-Benz. However, the German manufacturer is unable to supply other teams until the FIA and the other teams have given their approval. Furthermore, if Mercedes gets its way, its preference will likely go to Red Bull, which is also looking to change its engine.

“We showed them some interest a few months ago,” said Patrick Head. “But we were informed that the engine was not available to us. From one side of the pit lane to the other, everyone knows that Mercedes, within the limits of the regulations, seems to have made more progress than others in improving their engine. It’s clearly an excellent engine.”

« We have not been contacted by anyone. There is no prohibition on knocking on their door, but there is a limit in the 2010 regulations of two teams per supplier. I assume this will be relaxed, but that’s how it is at the moment. »

The most likely option therefore remains the independent supplier Cosworth, as the Ferrari engine is not available. Patrick Head hopes, however, that the team will be informed quickly.

Obviously, Brawn GP has shown that it is possible to integrate an engine very late in the design of the car, but it remains something you do not want to impose on the design department. And there is a good chance that the installation will not be completely optimized. There will be a lot of changes, especially due to the ban on refueling during the race, which includes a larger fuel tank.