FW32

Rubens Barrichello, the most experienced driver in the history of the sport, joins the team alongside new GP2 Series champion Nico Hulkenberg. With Toyota gone, it’s all change on the engine front as well, with Williams returning to its old friends at Cosworth for V8 power. The season starts slowly for the team, but a performance upgrade at the European Grand Prix transforms the pace of the FW32. Barrichello finishes fourth at Valencia and he’s a regular points scorer for the remainder of the season.

Hulkenberg gets up to speed quickly in the sister FW32 and the highlight of his year comes at the penultimate race in Brazil. He gives Williams its first pole position since the Nurburgring in 2005 and he comes home in eighth place. The team pips Force India by one point in the constructors’ championship to bag sixth place overall.

Season Highlight

Rubens' fourth place in Valencia. "The car is much better," hedeclared after the race. "I think we made a big breakthrough here."

Fun Fact

Frank Williams is honoured at the BBC’s annual Sports Personality of the year awards. He wins the Helen Rollason award to add to his list of accolades.