Williams FW17

The Williams FW17 is a Formula One racing car designed by Adrian Newey, with which the Williams team competed in the 1995 Formula One World Championship. It was driven by Damon Hill, who was in his third year with the team, and David Coulthard, who was in his first full season after a part-time role in 1994.

Williams FW17
Williams FW17B
CategoryFormula One
ConstructorWilliams
Designer(s)Patrick Head (Technical Director)
Adrian Newey (Chief Designer)
Eghbal Hamidy (Chief Aerodynamicist)
PredecessorFW16
SuccessorFW18
Technical specifications[1][2]
ChassisCarbon fibre and Kevlar monocoque
Suspension (front)pushrod, bellcrank, torsion spring
Suspension (rear)pushrod, bellcrank, torsion spring
EngineRenault RS7, 3,000 cc (183.1 cu in), 67° V10 NA mid-engine, longitudinally-mounted
TransmissionWilliams transverse 6-speed semi-automatic
Power675–750 bhp (503–559 kW; 684–760 PS) @ 14,300-15,500 rpm (16,000 rpm limit)[3]
FuelElf
TyresGoodyear
Competition history
Notable entrantsRothmans Williams Renault
Notable drivers5. Damon Hill
6. David Coulthard
Debut1995 Brazilian Grand Prix
RacesWinsPolesF.Laps
175126
Constructors' Championships0
Drivers' Championships0

With what was regarded as the best chassis and aerodynamics in the field combined with the best engine,[4] the 1995 season was disappointing for the team, who were beaten to both titles by Michael Schumacher and Benetton. Although the FW17 was superior in qualifying trim, taking 12 pole positions, Schumacher was usually more competitive on race day. The Benetton team arguably made better strategy decisions during races and Schumacher was able to win nine races against Hill and Coulthard's combined total of five. This situation was not helped by both drivers making several unfortunate errors during the course of the season.

For the Portuguese GP, the Williams FW17B was used for the first time. In its five races, it took four pole positions and two victories, but the titles were already just about out of reach due to the success of Schumacher and his Benetton B195.

The team eventually finished second in the Constructors' Championship, with 112 points; both Williams and Benetton had their constructor's points deducted from the Brazilian Grand Prix (6 and 10 points respectively) following an appeal that saw both team's fuel-related disqualifications overturned from race standings.

The FW17 is notable for being the first Williams car to race with a raised nose, and was the first 'clean sheet' design from the team since 1991 (as the car's two predecessors had been evolutions of the FW14), owing to the new technical regulations for the 1995 season.

During an interview with Top Gear in 2012, Coulthard spoke positively about the FW17, saying that it was his favourite out of the cars he had driven in his career.[5]

Damon Hill driving the FW17 at the 1995 British Grand Prix.

Complete Formula One results

(key) (results in bold indicate pole position)

Year Team Chassis Engine Tyres Drivers 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Pts. WCC
1995 Rothmans Williams Renault Renault RS7
V10		 G BRA ARG SMR ESP MON CAN FRA GBR GER HUN BEL ITA POR EUR PAC JPN AUS 112 2nd
FW17 Damon Hill Ret 1 1 4 2 Ret 2 Ret Ret 1 2 Ret 3
FW17B Ret 3 Ret 1
FW17 David Coulthard 2^ Ret 4 Ret Ret Ret 3 3 2 2 Ret Ret 1
FW17B 3 2 Ret Ret

^ – Coulthard's second place at the Brazilian Grand Prix did not count towards Constructors' Championship points as the FIA did not reinstate the constructor's points after the initial disqualification due to fuel irregularities was overturned.

References
  • Henry, Alan (ed.) (1995). AUTOCOURSE 1995-96. Hazleton Publishing. pp. 48–51. ISBN 1-874557-36-5.CS1 maint: extra text: authors list (link)
  1. "Williams FW17". www.statsf1.com. Retrieved 26 July 2017.
  2. "Williams FW17B". www.statsf1.com. Retrieved 26 July 2017.
  3. https://www.statsf1.com/en/moteur-renault.aspx
  4. Henry, Alan (ed.) (1995). AUTOCOURSE 1995-96. Hazleton Publishing. p. 49. ISBN 1-874557-36-5.CS1 maint: extra text: authors list (link)
  5. Top Gear (3 July 2012). "Brundle and Coulthard Q&A Part 2 - Top Gear - BBC". Retrieved 26 July 2017 – via YouTube.
Awards
Preceded by
Benetton B194		 Autosport
Racing Car Of The Year
1995		 Succeeded by
Williams FW18
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