The FW36 was the first Formula One car built by Williams to utilize a Mercedes engine, specifically the 1.6-litre V6 turbocharged PU106A Hybrid unit. This powertrain decision was a key factor in the car’s improved performance. The design team, led by Williams Grand Prix Engineering, faced the challenge of integrating this new engine into a chassis that would be competitive under the 2014 Formula One regulations. A computer-generated rendering of the car was released on January 23, revealing a distinctive feature: an extended nosecone, quickly nicknamed the “anteater”. This design choice was aimed at maximizing aerodynamic performance within the constraints of the new regulations. The FW36 was the first turbo powered Formula One car designed and raced by Williams since the Honda powered FW11B, which achieved a 1-2 finish in the 1987 World Championship with Nelson Piquet and Nigel Mansell.
The core of the FW36’s performance improvement lay in the Mercedes power unit. Beyond the engine, the car was designed with a focus on low drag, contributing to its impressive straight-line speed. This characteristic was particularly noticeable during preseason testing and early races. The “anteater” nosecone, while visually striking, was a key element in achieving the desired aerodynamic characteristics.
The FW36 demonstrated its potential immediately, consistently achieving the fastest times during preseason testing. The Australian Grand Prix, the opening race of the season, saw both drivers qualify for Q3, though the race itself proved challenging in mixed conditions. Massa was involved in a first-turn incident, while Bottas finished sixth, later promoted to fifth after a penalty was applied to another driver. Following a period of misfortune, particularly for Massa, the car’s performance improved significantly after the Canadian Grand Prix.
A breakthrough moment came at the Austrian Grand Prix, where Williams achieved a surprise 1-2 in qualifying, with Massa securing pole position. Bottas finished third in Austria, and continued to demonstrate strong pace with third-place finishes in Belgium and Russia, and second in Great Britain and Germany. Massa also achieved a third-place finish in Italy and Brazil. The team secured their first double podium finish since the 2005 Monaco Grand Prix in Abu Dhabi. Throughout the season, the car proved to be a consistent contender, culminating in a 2-3 finish at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, with Massa and Bottas respectively.
The team accumulated 320 Constructors' Championship points in 2014, a dramatic increase from the 5 points earned in 2013, securing them 3rd place in the championship, 104 points ahead of Ferrari.
The FW36 prominently featured the iconic Martini Racing livery, following a title sponsorship agreement with Martini & Rossi. This marked the first time the Martini Racing stripes had appeared on a Formula One car since the Lotus 80 in 1979. Due to local alcohol advertising laws, the car sported a blue livery instead of the traditional red and white stripes at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
In September 2020, prior to the Italian Grand Prix, Claire Williams received a signed front wing from the FW36 as a gift from her colleagues at Williams. The front wing was signed by every member of the Williams team, serving as a memento of the car’s successful season.
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