Williams FW33 – Innovative compact rear end

Williams managed to construct the smallest ever 7-speed gearbox even though the gearbox endurance is now increased from 4 to 5 races this year . This aggressive structural approach gave permission to aero dynamists to construct a fabulous low and compact rear car end , the smallest in 2011 grid . The target is to clean dramatically the airflow passing over the rear beam wing and the diffuser roof  causing a serious increase in downforce production .

The ultra low rear end effected the rear suspension design as well . The new suspension  is totally new and a pull rod in contrast to the previous push rod with the top wishbones ( in yellow) to attach directly onto the rear wing’s single pillar , something innovative for F1 .  The differential (in orange ) is also very inlcined because of the low gearbox line ‘

Talking about the double diffuser ban Sam Michael said  : “Not only can you not open any holes between the reference and step planes, you must have continuous material through all lateral and longitudinal sections. The scope for developing anything on the diffuser is limited, so we’re looking at the centre, rear and front of the floor, as well as the sides of the floor and the little area around the tyre spat, all of which are still free.”