With the 2017 FIA Formula One World Championship season starting March 24, every team is poised to reveal their new cars, which have all been re-shaped by the most far-reaching rule changes since 1984. Williams, Sauber and Renault are the first out of the gate.

The Williams FW40 – named to commemorate Williams’ 40th anniversary, is our first peek at how the designers have interpreted the 2017 regulations which significantly boost downforce and grip, making the cars both faster and physically harder to drive. The new rules aim to reduce lap time by 3 to 5 seconds depending on the circuit, starting with much larger front and rear tires. The regulations also impose a longer and wider profiled chassis sporting a lengthened wedge-shaped front wing. Williams has also matched the mandated enlarged diffusers with a re-profiled rear wing that now mounts much lower on the chassis making the swoopy new FW40 package far lower overall.

While the Williams is a well-massaged update, the Sauber C36 is an all-new design with not a single part carried over from its predecessor. It achieves a significant weight reduction compared to its predecessor. With help from new team owners, the C36 proudly sports a striking blue, white and gold livery to celebrate Sauber’s 25 years in F1 racing. An entirely new aerodynamic package with a lowered nose, multi-element front wing, a split air intake at the main roll bar and very sculptured sidepods fitted to enhance the stability and speed as opposed to maximising downforce. Due to budgetary constraints, the C36 will use Ferrari’s 2016-specification, 1.6-liter turbocharged V6 hybrid powertrain.