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[What's Burning?]

Been meaning to bring this up for discussion, what's up with those starts that Bottas and Masssa are making? The cars are rocketing off the line, so far it's been Massa that's been better able to take advantage of it but I think that it's such a huge advantage that even the drivers are having a difficult time controlling it.

William more than anyone else on the grid has experience with various types of ER systems, they're the only team to have raced and gathered data from other series. So I believe given their starts, they have a clear advantage in how they're deploying the power at the start. Those cars are unlike anything else on the grid off the line. It's in a different league!

I'm not by any means claiming there's something illegal going on, I'm saying they've done with the ERS systems something that not even Mercedes can currently match. I'm surprised I haven't seen it discussed or mentioned anywhere yet.

[Nin-Chin]

Massa has always been good off the line.

[Jabberwocky]

How much input do the teams have on the engine maps and setup etc?

I am sure Renault team used to be the same. They had played with the weight distribution, maybe that has something to do with it.

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[Kiril Varbanov]

Been meaning to bring this up for discussion, what's up with those starts that Bottas and Masssa are making? The cars are rocketing off the line, so far it's been Massa that's been better able to take advantage of it but I think that it's such a huge advantage that even the drivers are having a difficult time controlling it.

Williams have had a bit of 'tough luck', but so far the integration between the chassis, aero and PU doesn't seem to be as efficient as expected. I know this sounds really vague, but the car don't have the race pace to compete with the front row (yet), and this could be one of the reasons. I'm sure you are aware how F1 gains 0.2 seconds in pace
While they clearly had an advantage in the pre-season tests, they have failed to capitalize it so far, as opposed to teams like Red Bull and Ferrari. IMHO in Barcelona they should fare well.

[bud]

Are Williams still making their own gear boxes or are they using the Mercedes entire drivetrain? Maybe their gear box or even their choice in ratios?

[What's Burning?]

Are Williams still making their own gear boxes or are they using the Mercedes entire drivetrain? Maybe their gear box or even their choice in ratios?

They've been making their own. So I'd be surprised if they hadn't continued doing that this season.

[1Lemon]

Yeah their starts are beastly, and I think the team are keeping the reason for that close to their chests. The drivers don't even seem to mention the fact that their 0-60 speed is 25% faster than everyone around them.

Regarding that 'Tough Luck', Bottas did mention that they are yet to have a clean race this season.

Australia: Massa was Kobi'd, Bottas bonked a wall.
Malaysia: They got stuck behind each other fighting themselves.
Barharian: Messed up in traffic during the pit stops, the Safety car ruined their strategy then they got stuck fighting each other again.
China: Massa and Bottas were nudging at the start which caused Massa to have a dreadful pitstop (The wrong tyre didn't help), and Bottas had no telemetry and couldn't change engine fuel mode.

When they have a no problems race hopefully we will see the pace they had at pre-season.

[RichieRooster]

I hope so because I think they have a great driver line up, and would love to see them really have some good pace and be at the sharp end. Yeah for sure they've had some bad luck so far this season, but at some point they've got to start to make their own luck. Lets hope Europe brings them some good luck!

[What's Burning?]

Another rocketship start by both Williams drivers today. Massa got bogged down in traffic and had no where to go so his shot was wasted, but Bottas had nothing but clear air and at one point looked to even make a move on Rosberg but the Mercedes was able to hold him off. I'm convinced they have a little something extra at the start! Kudos to Williams for that.

[LewEngBridewell]

I am sure Renault team used to be the same. They had played with the weight distribution, maybe that has something to do with it.

They were, I remember from about 2002, right through to the team's title winning days in 2005/06, Renault had immense launches off the line.

[Roth]

It's OK, but a bit like having a pen15 extension but not sorting your PE out. It's all for nothing if they can't last the distance.

[1Lemon]

They need to fix their tyre deg

[NHcheese]

Yen. They need some updates, or their advantage will go, they will get points but might start coming behind Ferrari.