Williams FW34

Williams FW34
Pastor Maldonado driving the FW34 at the Malaysian Grand Prix
CategoryFormula One
ConstructorWilliams
DesignersMike Coughlan (Technical Director)
Ed Wood (Chief Designer)
Clive Cooper (Head of Design - Composites and Structures)
Christopher Brawn (Head of Design - Suspension, Steering, Breaks)
Mark Loasby (Head of Design - Systems)
Jason Somerville (Head of Aerodynamics)
PredecessorWilliams FW33
SuccessorWilliams FW35
Technical specifications
ChassisCarbon-fibre and honeycomb composite monocoque
Suspension (front)Double wishbone, push-rod activated springs and anti-roll bar
Suspension (rear)Double wishbone, pull-rod activated springs and anti-roll bar
EngineRenault RS27-2012 2.4 L (146 cu in) V8 naturally aspirated mid-mounted
TransmissionWilliams F1 seven speed seamless sequential semi-automatic shift plus reverse gear, gear selection electro-hydraulically actuated
Weight640 kg (1,411.0 lb) (with driver)
FuelTotal
TyresPirelli P Zero (dry), Cinturato (wet)
RAYS forged magnesium wheels (front and rear): 13"
Competition history
Notable entrantsWilliams F1 Team
Notable drivers18. Venezuela Pastor Maldonado
19. Brazil Bruno Senna
Debut2012 Australian Grand Prix
First win2012 Spanish Grand Prix
Last win2012 Spanish Grand Prix
Last event2012 Brazilian Grand Prix
RacesWinsPodiumsPolesF/Laps
201111

The Williams FW34 was a Formula One racing car designed by Williams F1 for the 2012 Formula One season. As of 2026, it is the most recent Williams car to win a race.

Design

Following their worst season in their thirty-year history—in which they finished ninth in the World Constructors' Championship with just five points—the team underwent a technical review, employing former McLaren designer Mike Coughlan (having served his suspension for his role in the 2007 Formula One espionage controversy) as Chief Designer, and promoting Jason Somerville to Head of Aerodynamics.

The FW34 used the Renault RS27-2012 engine; the team had previously used Renault engines between 1989 and 1997. The car, which was launched on the 7 February 2012, was driven by Pastor Maldonado and Bruno Senna.

Racing history

The car proved to be far more competitive than its predecessor from the British team so much so that it allowed Maldonado to contend for the top positions as early as the Australian Grand Prix, where the Venezuelan driver retired on the final lap while running in sixth place. At the Spanish Grand Prix, Maldonado drove the FW34 to pole position and converted it to victory the next day. It was Maldonado's first and only Formula One race win, Williams' first race win since Juan Pablo Montoya won the 2004 Brazilian Grand Prix driving an FW26, and Williams' most recent race win as of October 2026.

Senna during the Canadian Grand Prix

Despite several strong qualifying performances from Maldonado, his best result for the remainder of the season was just a fifth-place finish at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Otherwise, Maldonado’s season was hampered by a long series of penalties and accidents, while Senna more consistent than his teammate managed a few further points finishes, albeit at the lower end of the points scoring positions, with a sixth place finish at Malaysia, as his best result.

Sponsorship and livery

Drawing the inspiration from the Rothmans-sponsored FW19 of 1997, the blue colour on the engine cover was flipped along with other minor changes. PDVSA was retained for the second year with new sponsorships from Procter & Gamble products (Gillette and Head & Shoulders).

Complete Formula One results

(key) (results in bold indicate pole position; results in italics indicate fastest lap)

Year Entrant Engine Tyres Drivers 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 Points WCC
2012 Williams F1 Renault RS27-2012 P AUS MAL CHN BHR ESP MON CAN EUR GBR GER HUN BEL ITA SIN JPN KOR IND ABU USA BRA 76 8th
Pastor Maldonado 13† 19† 8 Ret 1 Ret 13 12 16 15 13 Ret 11 Ret 8 14 16 5 9 Ret
Bruno Senna 16† 6 7 22† Ret 10 17 10 9 17 7 12 10 18† 14 15 10 8 10 Ret

† Driver failed to finish the race, but was classified as they had completed greater than 90% of the race distance.

References

  1. 1 2 Collantine, Keith (28 June 2011). "Williams appoints new technical staff for 2012 car". F1 Fanatic. Keith Collantine. Retrieved 3 February 2012.
  2. ↑ "Williams FW34 - F1technical.net".
  3. 1 2 Beer, Matt (4 July 2011). "Williams to run Renault engines again from 2012". Autosport. Haymarket Publications. Retrieved 4 July 2011.
  4. ↑ Noble, Jonathan (25 January 2012). "Pirelli tweaks tyre markings for 2012 F1 season". Autosport.com. Haymarket Publications. Retrieved 3 February 2012.
  5. ↑ "Pastor Maldonado Confirmed for 2012 with Valtteri Bottas as Reserve Driver". Williams F1. 1 December 2011. Archived from the original on 3 December 2011. Retrieved 1 December 2011.
  6. ↑ Elizalde, Pablo (17 January 2012). "Williams confirms Bruno Senna will race for the team in F1 in 2012". Autosport. Haymarket Publications. Retrieved 17 January 2012.
  7. ↑ "Williams". Formula1.com. 14 December 2011. Retrieved 14 December 2011.
  8. ↑ Sam (2012-05-13). "Williams FW34". Racecar Engineering. Retrieved 2025-05-30.
  9. ↑ Collantine, Keith (9 December 2011). "Williams fall into F1's vicious cycle". F1 Fanatic. Keith Collantine. Retrieved 3 February 2012.