Claire Williams: “Fabulous to end with a success. »

A year ago, Williams scored almost all of his 2013 points total at the United States Grand Prix, with all four units scored by Valtteri Bottas. In 2014, the FW36s are regularly at the forefront behind the untouchables Mercedes W05 Hybrid Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg. A turnaround that delights Claire Williams, Deputy Team Principal of the team founded by her father Franck.

“If you had told us last year that we would be third by this time in 2014, we wouldn't have believed it, explains the British woman. But the team did a fantastic job of making this turnaround and I'm very proud of everyone involved. This is the reward for all our efforts. But as Frank Williams always says: “It’s third place, we still have to win!” »It would be wonderful to end this year with a victory. Given our current situation, I think the people at the team will be disappointed if we don't win, but everyone needs to remember where we come from. »

Claire Williams also wanted to pay special tribute to Pat Symonds, who arrived in 2013 and who breathed new life into the Grove team. “He’s a great engineer, everyone knows that, but he’s also a great manager. He organized and restructured all areas of our stable. But this is not just about the management level. Credit also goes to the 520 other people at Williams who stayed with us and made this turnaround possible. It’s true teamwork. »

At the end of the Abu Dhabi final on November 23, the Williams team can regain a Manufacturers' podium, which it has not reached since 2003, and the BMW period.