Category Formula One Predecessor Williams FW33 | Constructor Williams F1 Successor Williams FW35 | |
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Designer(s) Mike Coughlan (Technical Director)
Jason Somerville (Head of Aerodynamics) Engine Renault RS27-2012 2.4 L (146 cu in) V8 naturally aspirated mid-mounted | ||
The Williams FW34 was a Formula One racing car designed by Williams F1 for the 2012 Formula One season. Following their worst season in their thirty-year history—in which they finished ninth in the World Constructors' Championship with just five points—the team underwent a technical review, employing former McLaren designer Mike Coughlan (having served his suspension for his role in the 2007 Formula One espionage controversy) as Chief Designer, and promoting Jason Somerville to Head of Aerodyamics. The FW34 used the Renault RS27-2012 engine; the team had previously used Renault engines between 1989 and 1997. The car, which was launched on the 7 February 2012, was driven by Pastor Maldonado and Bruno Senna.
At the 2012 Spanish Grand Prix, Maldonado drove the FW34 to pole position and converted it to victory the next day. As well as being Maldonado's maiden Formula One win, it was also the first for Williams since the 2004 Brazilian Grand Prix, which was won by Juan Pablo Montoya in the FW26.
Complete Formula One results
(key) (results in bold indicate pole position; results in italics indicate fastest lap)
† Driver failed to finish the race, but was classified as they had completed greater than 90% of the race distance.