Williams FW43B-01

Key facts

Year

2021
Country

Great Britain
Capacity

1,600cc
Cylinders

V6
Valves

Double overhead camshaft
Output

990bhp at 15,000rpm
Maximum speed

Over 200mph
Price new

Not marketed
Loaned by

Private Owner
Manufacturer

Williams Racing, Grove, Oxfordshire

2021 was the first season following the sale of the Willimas team by founder Frank Williams. The FW43b was a development of the previous year’s car, built to bridge the gap caused by the delayed introduction of revised regulations. Williams’ drivers for 2021 were Nicholas Latifi and George Russell. Both finished in the points in Hungary. Russell went on to qualify second for the Belgian Grand Prix and, with the race being red flagged due to heavy rain on the third lap, was awarded a second place, the first podium finish for Williams since 2017.

The FW43B exhibits many of the features of a modern Formula 1 car, with carbon fibre chassis, hybrid turbo-charged 1.6 litre engine, in this case a Mercedes AMG F1 M12E, and provision for a Halo safety cage (not currently fitted to this car). Compare this car with the BRM V16 from 1950 to get some idea of just how far Formula 1 has come since that first World Championship season seventy-five years ago.