Williams FW34

Having undergone a technical review, Williams installed Mike Coughlan, formerly of McLaren as Technical Director & Chief Designer.

He was joined by Mike Somerville who was promoted to head of aerodynamics.

Under this new technical leadership, the FW34 took on a ‘fresh design philosophy’.

Revised FIA technical regulations banning blown exhausts, complex engine mapping and reducing the height of the nose on safety grounds, the FW34 borrowed little from its predecessor, the FW33.

The back end of the car was one thing that had evolved from the previous year’s car, having performed particularly strongly in 2011.

The front wing was significantly more complex than that of the FW33 with more elements on both the upper and lower surfaces, and was attached to a stepped nose that many of that year’s Formula 1 cars featured, due to the new height and length stipulations.

Powered by the latest Renault RS27 engine, the FW34 was driven by Pastor Maldonado and Bruno Senna, making his debut for Williams, evoking memories of the previous Williams/Renault/Senna partnership back in 1994 across the Formula 1 watching world.

Accumulating 76 points across the course of the season from 15 points finishes and an incredible, unprecedented win for Maldonado in Spain (the last win to date for Williams) was enough to seal eighth in the World Constructors Championship for the team.