Williams’ driver Bottas lauds growth at Qatar Foundation

Valtteri Bottas and Susie Wolff being briefed by Qatar Foundation officials during their visit yesterday.

Qatar Foundation for Education, Science and Community Development yesterday hosted a delegation from Williams, one of the world’s leading Formula 1 teams.

Valtteri Bottas, a Finnish racing driver who is competing in his debut FIA Formula One World Championship season with the Williams F1 Team, is currently on his third visit to Qatar.

Bottas said he was extremely impressed with the rapid pace of development that was underway at Qatar Foundation and across the country.

“The first time I came here was in 2010 and since then, year by year, I see things moving forward quickly so it is really nice to see how fast everything is being built up here,” said Bottas. “I am very impressed about the things that Qatar Foundation is investing in and pushing for.”

The team from Williams was shown an impressive 3D scale model of the current buildings and future construction projects at Qatar Foundation.

They were also introduced to the many educational initiatives, community development plans, and scientific research programmes undertaken by the Foundation.

In partnership with Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP), Williams F1 established the Williams Technology Centre in Qatar to develop and commercialise technologies that have their origins in Formula 1. There are currently two research and development projects underway to improve the efficiency and reliability of rapid transportation, road safety, and fuel efficiency.

Bottas explained: “We visited the Williams Technology Centre that is in QSTP and that is supported by Qatar Foundation. It is great that we can push forward the Formula 1 technology and take it to the next level, to help the economy and the people.”

Susie Wolff, a Development Driver for the Williams F1 team, echoed these sentiments and drew parallels between Qatar Foundation’s mission to foster excellence and Williams’ long-term formula for success.

Similar to Qatar Foundation’s mandate to tap into the potential of youth, over the years Williams has nurtured many great talents, both in the cockpit and in the design office, which has resulted in them winning 16 FIA Formula One World Championships.

“I think Formula 1 is the most technologically advanced sport in the world and we are always moving at a very fast pace. I think that is why the technology centre here at QSTP is in parallel, because everyone is striving to be the best, everyone is striving to find the next small part in the car which will make them the quickest,” said Wolff.

Williams is recognised as one of the most enduring and successful organisations in sport and the team has grown exponentially since 1977. What started out as a group of 17 people has developed into a company that now employs more than 500 staff at its technology campus in Grove, Oxfordshire.

“Back at Grove, we have 500 people in the team, most of them are the best at what they do in the field from engineers to aerodynamicists to vehicle dynamicists, a big variation of people and they have risen to the top of their chosen field, so I think there is a lot of parallels in terms of bringing excellence to the field,” Wolff explained.

In her role as a development driver, Wolff plays an active part in supporting the Williams team by driving a simulator at the factory to conduct the aerodynamic tests for the cars. She highlighted the importance of sport in bringing discipline, motivation, and focus to the lives of children.

“We were at Aspire yesterday and I think the kids here have an incredible chance in life to have such a great start, to see so many different sports. I said to those kids yesterday, whichever sport you enjoy the most – do it, do it well and to the best of your ability and dream big,” said Wolff.