Williams FW26(1:18, Minichamps)
- Williams FW26 (from 2004)
- Minichamps
- 1:18
- Showcase model / No engine
- resin
- racing / multicolored
- FW26
- private sale
- 49,99 EUR
- In near mint condition
- Original packaging exists
- Not for sale
Technical prototype: the Williams from the 2004 season
The model shown is based on the original race car Williams FW26, which raced in the Formula 1 season 2004 and is the FW26 generation in the Williams line. Its direct predecessor was the FW25 from 2003. The Williams FW26 was mainly developed by the Williams engineers Patrick Head, Gavin Fisher and aerodynamicist Antonia Terzi. At the rear sat the BMW ten‑cylinder P84 with about 3.0 liters (183.1 cubic inches) displacement, rated at roughly 900 PS (≈888 hp) at revs beyond 18,000/min. The Williams FW26 came with a striking aero concept, especially the so‑called “walrus nose” and a twin‑keel front end intended to channel airflow under the chassis. Combined with a carbon‑fibre monocoque, a seven‑speed sequential gearbox and the Michelin grooved tyres, the car matched the technical standard of the 2004 season. The piece shown here belongs to the Modelly member “AudiSport” and is a 1/18 scale Minichamps model, made in resin.
Construction, dimensions and livery of the original
The Williams FW26 used a carbon monocoque designed to meet the then‑mandatory minimum weight of 605 kg (1,334 pounds) including driver and fluids. Both front and rear used double‑wishbone suspension with pushrod actuation, and carbon‑fibre brake discs with six‑piston calipers. The aero package featured a multi‑element front wing with wide endplates, the distinctive twin‑pylon nose, and a tightly packaged rear with a multi‑element rear wing; later in the season the team switched to a more conventional nose, often called the FW26B. The BMW engine supply included electronics and lubrication co‑operation with Castrol, and refuelling followed the race regulations of the time. The livery was the familiar BMW‑Williams dark blue and white, plus sponsor logos from HP (hp invent), Allianz, Castrol, FedEx, Budweiser, NiQuitin CQ and tyre partner Michelin. The model reproduces that look, including the BMW roundel on the nose and the start number panels.
Sporting record and driver changes in 2004
On the sporting side the Williams FW26 had a mixed season. The new aero didn’t deliver the expected jump at first, so the team had to rework the concept. The Williams FW26 picked up early points but struggled in a tight field where Ferrari was very strong. At the United States Grand Prix driver Ralf Schumacher suffered a serious accident and missed several races; his seats were taken in turn by Marc Gené and Antonio Pizzonia, who scored decent finishes but weren’t regularly challenging for podiums. Meanwhile the team developed updates, including the switch to a conventional nose that made the car’s behavior more predictable.
Podiums, win and championship placing
Later in the year the development paid off: the Williams FW26 scored several podiums. The season highlight was Juan Pablo Montoya’s win at the Brazilian Grand Prix, achieved with the late B‑spec of the Williams FW26. The team finished fourth in the Constructors’ Championship. The result lagged behind the very successful previous programs, but the lessons learned fed into later cars. Compared to the FW25, the Williams FW26’s strengths were high top speed thanks to the BMW powerplant and a robust drivetrain; its limits were mainly early aero tuning and a narrow tyre operating window. The roles of engineers Patrick Head and Antonia Terzi are often mentioned in specialist literature in connection with the bold nose solution and the complex front end kinematics that made the Williams FW26 one of the most technically striking cars of that era.
The 1/18 model in AudiSport’s collection
The model shown here is the 1/18 scale Minichamps version in Modelly member “AudiSport”’s collection. The miniature depicts the early spec Williams FW26 with the “walrus nose.” The two nose pylons are clearly visible in the photos, as is the multi‑element front wing with blue endplates and the start number 4 – the number carried by Ralf Schumacher in 2004. The dark blue‑white paint split is clean, and the logos from HP, Allianz, Castrol, FedEx, Budweiser and Michelin are printed finely. The Michelin grooved tyres show side markings and the wheels have a multi‑piece hub look. The model looks true to scale, with sharp aero edges and the pointed V‑contours of the nose well reproduced. The cockpit has a suggested steering wheel, a helmet with colored graphics and the characteristic airbox above the driver’s head. As with many current display models the bodywork is closed, which benefits the clean lines. Made in resin, the miniature offers smooth surfaces and thin wing profiles. It’s a precise display piece for collectors who like the technical details of the Williams FW26.
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