WilliamsF1

Dominance with Renault

The team secured engine supply from Renault Sport in 1989. Renault engines subsequently powered Williams drivers to another four Drivers' Championships and five Constructors' Championships up until Renault's departure from Formula One at the end of 1997. The combination of Renault's powerful engine and Adrian Newey's design expertise led to a particularly dominant period in the mid 1990s. Mansell had a record breaking 1992 season winning the title in record time and leading many races from pole to finish.

Related Topics:
Renault Sport - 1989 - 1997 - Adrian Newey

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Some maintain that the Williams FW-14B and FW-15C were "the most technologically advanced cars that will ever race in Formula One".http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/motorsport/formula_one/cars_guide/4272031.stm

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He was replaced by the Renault-friendly Alain Prost who retained both titles again winning pole position for many races. Damon Hill and Jacques Villeneuve were able to win the World Drivers' Championship in 1996 and 1997 respectively, although neither driver is now regarded as being amongst the truly great World Champions.

Related Topics:
Alain Prost - Damon Hill - Jacques Villeneuve - 1996 - 1997

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It was during this period of dominance that the team's worst disaster also occurred. In 1994, on the weekend of the San Marino Grand Prix, the third round of that year's Championship, three times World Champion Ayrton Senna suffered a fatal accident during the race, in only his third race for the team. The repercussions of this fatal accident were severe for the team itself, as the Italian government tried to prosecute the team and Frank Williams through the Italian courts, an episode which wasn't over until 2005.

Related Topics:
1994 - San Marino Grand Prix - Ayrton Senna - 2005

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After 1997, the team were unable to maintain their dominance in Formula 1 as Renault ended their full time involvement in Formula 1, and Adrian Newey moved to rival team McLaren. Williams then had to pay for Mecachrome engines (old, rebadged Renaults). There were changes on the sponsorship front too, as Rothmans opted to promote their Winfield brand. For 1998 and 1999 the cars were an unfamiliar red and white colour. They were also on an unfamiliar position on the racetrack, as they struggled to keep up with the competition following the departure of Renault and Newey.

Related Topics:
1997 - McLaren - Mecachrome - Rothmans - Winfield

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