FW27

 

It’s all change on the driving front, with Mark Webber and Nick Heidfeld steering the team’s fortunes on-track. They notch up a handful of podiums, but there are no victories and the team drops to fifth place in the constructors’ championship. The highlight of the season is a double podium at the Monaco Grand Prix, but, overall, it’s a turbulent season for the team on and off the racetrack.

There are several changes to the design team and BMW announces the termination of its partnership with Williams at the end of the season. Nick Heidfeld has a mountain bike accident after the Turkish Grand Prix and the resultant shoulder injuries leave him unable to drive for the remainder of the season. He’s replaced by Antonio Pizzonia for the last five races and the team decides not to take up its option on Heidfeld for the 2006 season.

Season Highlight

A double podium at the Monaco Grand Prix, where Heidfeld finishes second and Webber third.

Fun Fact

The US Grand Prix at Indianapolis turns into a fiasco when Michelin withdraws from the race on safety grounds. As a result, neither Williams driver starts the race.