Interest in Williams is growing. In Bahrain, Carlos Sainz set the fastest lap overall, although this was the result of an aggressive early push in time attacks. Optimism, however, extends beyond the stopwatch readings, to the point that McLaren’s Andrea Stella expects Williams to be fighting at the top of the grid. The FW47 indeed features several new elements, which were finally visible after the initial public outing at Silverstone only provided a glimpse of the 2025 project.
The Arrival of the Mercedes Rear End
Williams has not provided official confirmation, but multiple sources indicate that the 2025 car uses last season’s chassis, with only minor modifications. This choice aligns with James Vowles‘ strategy of sacrificing the current ground-effect technical cycle to invest in infrastructure, with the aim of being more competitive under the upcoming regulations. The team had already done an excellent job with the 2024 chassis, shedding 14 kg compared to the previous version. The last car still suffered from overweight issues, giving Williams the opportunity to find more valuable tenths in 2025 by reducing the weight of various auxiliary components.
The chassis confirmation goes hand in hand with that of the front suspension, which retains the push-rod configuration without altering the mounting points of other external elements. The absence of visible changes, however, does not rule out a possible update to the internal spring-damper assembly to better stabilize ride height while in motion.
The most noticeable changes are at the rear, where the FW47 finally adopts the updated Mercedes rear end. Williams abandons the pull-rod suspension used until 2024, replacing it with Brackley’s distinctive push-rod design, improving airflow around the gearbox toward the diffuser. The new Mercedes suspension also features a pronounced height offset between the two arms of the upper wishbone, a sign of the well-known anti-dive kinematics that help stabilize the floor’s posture during acceleration and braking. This benefits aerodynamic performance.
Beyond Aerodynamic Load
While the suspension layout was already glimpsed during the Silverstone shakedown, the same cannot be said for the rest of the car. Despite being built around the 2024 chassis, the FW47 introduces numerous aerodynamic innovations. As the team itself has stated, the goal was to develop an aerodynamic load that is usable for the drivers, ensuring a broad operating window and predictable handling that inspires confidence to push the car to its limits.
The front wing is a new design, with several differences in both the shape of the main plane and the upper elements. This alters the distribution of aerodynamic load along the wing, affecting the airflow structure that interacts with the suspension and reaches the floor. The new, much narrower nose is also impossible to miss, allowing for a greater surface area of the wing profiles to be used.
Even more significant are the changes to the most important component: the floor. Notable is the more pronounced fairing around the side impact structure, indicating a reshaping of the Venturi channels with a considerable impact on aerodynamic load and balance. The outer edge is an evolution of the 2024 specification, featuring an additional vortex generator along the side extractor.
Similar Architecture
Reusing last season’s chassis is reflected in the similarities between the old and new cooling systems, with no apparent revolutions under the bodywork. The overhead air scoop remains from 2024, as do the side intakes, which maintain the forward-extended upper lip without any downward deviation of the opening.
It is therefore unsurprising to see continuity in the bodywork design. The sidepods retain the downwash concept, with only minor refinements compared to the FW46. More visible changes appear in the engine cover, following the relocation of the central radiator and various electronic components. According to the team, the reshaped outer surfaces are not due to the switch to Mercedes’ push-rod suspension but simply an effort to optimize airflow toward the diffuser, beam wing, and wheel appendages.
Keeping Expectations in Check
While retaining last year’s chassis limits Williams’ development opportunities, it also offers certain advantages. The team was able to advance aerodynamic development early, benefiting from the decision to halt updates to the 2024 car as early as September. The project features several innovations, but its fundamental continuity ensures a good understanding of the package heading into the season—except for Carlos Sainz, who is still in the learning phase with the car. The test results are encouraging, but only the March races will determine whether the 2025 Williams is truly one to watch.
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