Inside Look at the FW42

Introduction

The FW42 is a Formula One car designed and built by the Williams Racing team for the 2019 season. It is the team’s 42nd Formula One car and was driven by British driver George Russell and Polish driver Robert Kubica. The car was designed to improve on the performance of its predecessor, the FW41, which had a disappointing season in 2018. In this article, we will take an inside look at the FW42 and explore its key features and design elements.

Design

The FW42 features a sleek and aerodynamic design, with a focus on reducing drag and maximizing downforce. The car has a distinctive front wing design, with intricate aerodynamic elements to improve airflow over the car and increase cornering speeds. The rear of the car features a shark fin and T-wing, which help to stabilize the car at high speeds and improve overall performance. The car also features a new cooling system, which helps to regulate the temperature of the car’s components during races.

Engine and Powertrain

The FW42 is powered by a Mercedes-AMG F1 M10 EQ Power+ engine, which is known for its reliability and performance. The engine produces over 900 horsepower and is mated to an 8-speed gearbox, which allows for quick and seamless gear changes. The powertrain also features advanced energy recovery systems, which harvest energy during braking and store it for later use, providing an additional boost of power to the car.

Performance

The FW42 showed promising performance during pre-season testing, with both drivers praising the car’s handling and speed. However, the car struggled to compete with the top teams during the 2019 season, with Williams Racing finishing last in the Constructors’ Championship. Despite this, the team continued to develop the car throughout the season, making improvements to its aerodynamics and performance. The FW42 showed flashes of competitiveness towards the end of the season, with both drivers scoring points in the Brazilian Grand Prix.