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Former Formula 1 driver David Coulthard predicts that "heads will roll" at Williams if the new FW48 car upgrades don't deliver results in Baku this weekend.
Williams has struggled since the start of the season with their overweight FW48. After 14 rounds, the team sits ninth in the constructors' standings with a mere 11 points: 6 for Carlos Sainz and 5 for Alex Albon.
Williams team principal James Vowles explained that the changes to the car for Baku are so significant it's almost a B-spec version of the FW48. However, driver reactions were more reserved after yesterday's two free practice sessions.
"I've spoken to people at Williams, and they've made a significant step forward in terms of the car's weight; it's lighter, which is crucial, as we know 10 kilograms equates to 3-4 tenths of a second per lap," Coulthard explained on the Up to Speed podcast. "With a heavier car, you're always on the back foot. Now they're making a step forward, and this will also be applicable to next season's car."
"There are some aerodynamic changes in the regulations for next year, mainly around the front of the floor, which may or may not help some of the teams."
"But I expect to see something similar to what happened with Aston Martin when their B-spec car appeared. However, if this progress doesn't materialize, then we'll see heads roll within the team."
In yesterday's first practice session, Sainz and Albon finished 12th and 13th, respectively, while in the second session, they dropped to 17th and 16th.
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