Can Williams Racing Return To Prominence

The history that is bestowed upon Williams’ franchise is remarkable, to say the least; only Ferrari and McLaren have a deeper history. It goes without saying the contributions that Frank Williams and his racing company have made, not only to racing but to the automotive industry, will be echoed throughout time. That’s why it has been heartbreaking to see this legendary team struggling over the past few years. So, fans wonder: Can they return to their prominent form of old?

Yesterday

With immense losses in 2013 and 2014, the team turned it around with a small, yes very small, profit in 2015. The team found this profit with thanks to their new power unit and partnership with Mercedes AMG, and finishing 3rd in the constructure’s championship in both 2014 and 2015. Mercedes’ contribution to the Williams’ team had given them a new hope and save them from going into the history books with teams like Braun and Jordan being bought out or even folding. This new partnership, however, has come with a price. The Williams’ team has now become a second-tier team to Mercedes; giving future Mercedes drivers a chance to prove themselves in Formula 1.

Today

Even finishing this season the highest since 2017, their constructor’s and driver’s championship hopes have been slipping since then. However, their partnership with (and reliability on) Mercedes AMG has strengthened in the past couple of years with dependence not only on Mercedes’ power unit but also now on their gearbox. The new owners, Dorilton Capital, have requested strengthening that partnership with Mercedes and their team principal, Toto Wolff. Current plans aside, Dorilton continues to see something in Williams, and they wouldn’t have invested in them if they didn’t. They are a company that wants to see a quick return on their investment.

What does the future hold? Williams' contract with Mercedes is up after the 2023 season. So, there won’t be any immediate changes to Williams in the near future. Alex Albon will be placing a more ravenous George Russell, and keeping Nicholas Latifi. Also, with an unpredictable 2022 season, keeping their 8th constructor's place would most like be a godsend.

Tomorrow

By 2025, another power unit will come into play and this may open the door for a new Williams of old to come on the grid. A couple of Williams' current members that Dorilton Capital have brought in, Sporting Director Sven Smeets and CEO Jost Capito, had previous working relationships with Volkswagen, who are rumored to enter Formula 1 by 2025.

The Williams' team could find themselves with a new power unit within a new company in that same year. Will there be successful in that first year if they go with VW’s Audi or Porsche? More than likely not. However, as stated before, Dorilton Capital wants that return on its investment, and seeing the potential and previous relationships with a couple members of Williams, the relationship with VW and Dorilton Capital for Williams could make the beginning of a great relationship. Also, this would create a prodigious amount of stories and news for Williams/Dorilton Capital, which would help them in merchandise and ad revenue. This might cause a brighter future for this legendary team.