Valtteri Bottas has called on Williams to make the most of the new design rules coming in 2017.
The Grove-based team struggled to maintain the form of the past two years in 2016, falling back into the midfield pack and finishing behind Force India in the Constructors’ championship.
An inability to maximise the strengths of their usually slippery car over a greater number of circuits led to their drop in performance as the more efficient Force India, along with a highly impressive Sergio Perez behind the wheel, installed themselves as ‘best of the rest’ behind the top three over the second half of the season.
“We still had some good races this year,” Bottas said reflecting on 2016. “We had good moments, strong performances, but from the middle to the end of the season it has been tough.
“I think everyone in the team is not that happy about it, but we know that we need to work our way out of it.”
The rule changes coming for next year allow Williams to re-focus and come back stronger.
While they may not be quite the dark horses some may have predicted they could be looking to 2017, they can certainly challenge the likes of an improving McLaren, Renault and Force India for fourth once again.
“The only thing we can do and we are, obviously, replying a lot that next year’s car will be fast, is to bring it up there. It’s up to us!” Bottas added.
The Finn is also looking to use the retirement in Abu Dhabi as motivation to return to form in 2017.
“Obviously it’s a disappointing way to end the season, but we didn’t lose anything because of that. Now it’s another reason for me to just look forward to next year and I can’t wait, really. It’s a new season, with a new opportunity.”
Bottas will also face the prospect of becoming the full-time lead driver at Williams net year as Formula 3 champion Lance Stroll replaces Felipe Massa.
The new driver pairing certainly has the ability to push each other forward and now it’s up to the factory to give them a platform from which to deliver.
