Idman.biz
Despite starting the 2026 season with great hopes, the "Williams" team is facing a major headache as the weight problem of the new FW48 car poses significant challenges for the engineers. According to recent information, the British team's car is approximately 20-25 kg heavier than the specified minimum limit of 768 kg, which means a loss of more than 0.6 seconds per lap.
İdman.Biz reports that team leader James Vowles has stated that technical solutions to the weight problem are already available. However, the budget cap applied in "Formula 1" prevents the immediate implementation of these innovations. Vowles noted that if there were no financial limits, he would install all the new parts on the car starting tomorrow.
Currently, there are plans to gradually reduce the weight of the car within the framework of a program called "Bikini Operation" at the factory (This term is a joke referring to programs aimed at rapid weight loss before summer – ed.). The team aims to lose several kilograms by the Miami Grand Prix with changes to be made to the front wing and suspension system. According to Alex Albon, the problem is not only the mass but also the high center of gravity, which makes handling difficult.
It should be noted that not only "Williams" but also teams like "Mercedes" and "Ferrari" exceeded the limit by 2-4 kg at the start of the season. However, "Williams"' situation is considered more critical. The team will try to restore its position in the middle ranks with the package of innovations to be presented in Miami.
Williams, Formula 1, James Vowles, Alex Albon, Miami Grand Prix, Motorsport
