Williams · 1979–80

Williams FW07

Alan Jones won the 1980 Drivers' Championship. Williams' first title.

Ford Cosworth DFV 3.0L V8 · 480 HP

Races
28
Wins
12
Poles
12
Win Rate
42.9%

Williams FW07 — Full Analysis

The Williams FW07 is one of the most significant Formula 1 cars in Williams\'s history. Introduced in 1979–80, this car represented Williams\'s technical philosophy of the era, combining Ford Cosworth DFV 3.0L V8 power with aerodynamic development that reflected the regulations and competitive landscape of the time.

Powered by the Ford Cosworth DFV 3.0L V8 producing 480 HP, the Williams FW07 competed in 28 races, achieving 12 victories. Alan Jones won the 1980 Drivers' Championship. Williams' first title.

The car weighed 585 kg and was capable of reaching 300 km/h on the fastest circuits. It secured 12 pole positions, demonstrating exceptional one-lap pace. The Williams FW07 was a product of its era — the technical regulations, tyre compounds, and competitive environment all shaped its design and development.

Williams\'s engineering team worked extensively on the Williams FW07\'s aerodynamic package, seeking to maximise downforce while minimising drag. The car\'s suspension setup was carefully calibrated to work with the tyres of the era, and the engine installation was optimised for both performance and reliability. The Williams FW07 represents a chapter in Williams\'s long Formula 1 history — a history that spans 48 seasons and includes 9 Constructors\' Championships and 7 Drivers\' Championships.

In the context of Williams\'s broader F1 programme, the Williams FW07 was part of a continuous development process. The lessons learned from this car informed the design of subsequent models, contributing to Williams\'s ongoing technical evolution. The car\'s performance data — lap times, tyre degradation rates, fuel consumption figures — all fed into the team\'s knowledge base and helped shape future development directions.

Technical Specifications

CarWilliams FW07
Year1979–80
EngineFord Cosworth DFV 3.0L V8
Power Output480 HP
Weight585 kg
Top Speed300 km/h
Races Entered28
Race Wins12
Pole Positions12
Win Rate42.9%
Pole Rate42.9%
ConstructorWilliams

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