Williams FW15C-01 Renault

1993 Williams FW15C Renault Formula One racing car on display in the National Motor Museum.

Key facts

Year

1993
Country

Great Britain
Capacity

3,493cc
Cylinders

V10
Valves

Double overhead camshaft
Output

760 - 780bhp at 13,800rpm
Maximum speed

Over 200mph
Price new

Not marketed
Loaned by

Private Owner
Manufacturer

Williams Racing, Grove, Oxfordshire

Designed by Adrian Newey and Patrick Head, the Williams FW15C was one of the most technologically advanced racing cars ever built. Driven by Alain Prost and Damon Hill, it became the dominant car of the 1993 F1 season. It incorporated traction control, active suspension, ride height control and the powerful Renault RS5 engine. Prost took seven victories on his way to his fourth Drivers’ Championship. Hill added another three wins to the total and, with twenty-two podium finishes in all, Williams secured their sixth Constructors’ title.

This car, chassis 01, was used for testing and was initially fitted with experimental continuously variable transmission (CVT), but this technology was banned before the start of the 1993 season. It carries the markings of David Coulthard, the Williams test driver for the 1993 and 1994 seasons. Coulthard made his F1 race debut at the 1994 Spanish Grand Prix.