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  Williams FW18 Renault      

  Article Image gallery (42) Chassis (3) Specifications Video (2)  
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Country of origin:Great Britain
Produced in:1996
Numbers built:6
Designed by:Patrick Head and Adrian Newey for Williams
Successor:Williams FW19 Renault
Author:Wouter Melissen
Last updated:October 17, 2014
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Click here to download printer friendly versionDamon Hill made the most of the hugely potent FW18 Renault by winning the second and third race of the 1996 season as well. His arch-rival, Michael Schumacher, was still settling down at his new team Ferrari. Villeneuve did emerge as a serious threat for the Briton's title aspirations as he scored his maiden win during the fourth round of the year. At least one of the two Williams drivers would finish on the podium in all but one race of the season, which helped the team clinch yet another Constructor's title. Amazingly the FW18 would only suffer 4 mechanical failures in 32 starts.

Although having scored four wins against Hill's seven, Villeneuve's very consistent driving meant he was still in contention for the Driver's title ahead of the final round but only just. This race, the Japanese Grand Prix at Suzuka, was shrouded in controversy. In the build up to the race Damon Hill and Frank Williams failed to come to an agreement for a contract for 1997 and it was announced that the two would part ways at the end of the season. Undeterred by the conflict with his employer, Hill dominated the rain-soaked race and secured the title was his.

With 12 victories in 16 races, the Williams FW18 Renault ranks among the most successful Formula 1 cars ever built. It helped clinch Williams' fourth Constructor's championship in five years. The team's dominance would continue for another season with Jacques Villeneuve grabbing the Driver's title and leading Williams to another Constructor's crown. The 1996 World Champion, Damon Hill, did not fare quite as well with his new team Arrows; his best result was a second at Hungary and he finished a lowly 12 in the championship.

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  Article Image gallery (42) Chassis (3) Specifications Video (2)