F1 Williams FW21 Chassis 01 (ex Alex Zanardi)

The Williams FW21, chassis number 01, is an authentic Formula 1 car built by the Williams F1 Team and officially entered in the 1999 FIA Formula One World Championship.

During the 1999 season, Williams fielded German driver Ralf Schumacher and Italian driver Alessandro Zanardi. Both drivers tested chassis 01 during the preparations for the season, while Zanardi also raced this particular chassis at the opening round of the championship, the Australian Grand Prix on 7 March 1999.

Chassis FW21-01 therefore played an important role not only in the development of the Williams FW21 but also in the team’s Grand Prix racing programme.

Grand Prix History

The Williams FW21-01 was used at the following Formula 1 Grand Prix events during the 1999 season.

Australian Grand Prix, Melbourne, 7 March 1999

Driver: Alessandro Zanardi

At the opening round of the 1999 Formula One World Championship, Alessandro Zanardi made his return to Formula 1 with the Williams F1 Team.

During the first free practice session, the Italian driver recorded the ninth-fastest time. However, qualifying proved more challenging due to traffic and technical difficulties, leaving Zanardi in 15th position on the starting grid.

Despite these setbacks, Zanardi demonstrated the car’s potential during the pre-race warm-up session, setting the sixth-fastest time.

Unfortunately, his race came to a premature end when he crashed on lap 21 at Melbourne’s Albert Park Circuit, forcing him to retire.

Monaco Grand Prix, Monte Carlo, 16 May 1999

Role: T-Car (Spare Car)

Chassis FW21-01 was also present at the prestigious Monaco Grand Prix, where it served as the team’s T-car, a spare chassis available to the drivers should either of their primary race cars become unavailable.

Official Launch and First Test Miles

On 25 January 1999, the Williams F1 Team officially unveiled its new FW21 at the Circuit de Catalunya near Barcelona, Spain.

Chassis FW21-01 was selected for this official presentation, giving it a particularly significant place in the history of the model.

Immediately following the launch, Ralf Schumacher took to the circuit to complete the car’s initial shakedown, making FW21-01 the first Williams FW21 to run on track.

During the subsequent test sessions, Schumacher and Zanardi shared the car. As the second chassis was not yet fully available, chassis 01 was extensively used to gather valuable technical data on the new Supertec V10 engine, Bridgestone tyres and the overall handling characteristics of the FW21.

Winter Testing, Barcelona, January 1999

During the first official test week at the Circuit de Catalunya, chassis FW21-01 underwent an extensive testing programme.

The team concluded the week on a positive note. On Thursday, 28 January 1999, Williams topped the unofficial timing sheets.

Test Results, 28 January 1999

• Ralf Schumacher, 1:23.14, 31 laps
• Alessandro Zanardi, 1:23.81, 33 laps

These encouraging results marked a promising start to the new season and provided the team with valuable information for the continued development of the FW21.

Further Development and International Testing Programme

Following the official launch and initial testing in Barcelona, chassis FW21-01 continued to play an important role in Williams’ intensive pre-season development programme.

Jerez, Spain

After the initial Barcelona tests, Williams moved its testing operations to the Circuito de Jerez in southern Spain.

Here, the team focused on improving the reliability of the mechanical components, optimising the cooling system of the Supertec V10 engine and refining the car’s overall setup.

These sessions were essential for identifying potential technical issues and further improving the performance and reliability of the new FW21.

Kyalami, South Africa

In mid-February 1999, the Williams F1 Team travelled to the Kyalami circuit in South Africa for a five-day test session, alongside the newly established British American Racing team.

The purpose of this programme was to evaluate the cars under hot-weather conditions, similar to those expected during the opening rounds of the championship in Australia and Brazil.

Both Ralf Schumacher and Alessandro Zanardi participated in the test, with Williams bringing two FW21 chassis, including chassis 01.

During the sessions, the team encountered several electronic issues, including software-related gearbox problems. Nevertheless, the data gathered proved valuable in improving the car’s reliability and overall development ahead of the new season.

The Williams FW21-01, Current Condition

This authentic Williams FW21, chassis number 01, has undergone a comprehensive cosmetic restoration and is now presented in excellent display condition.

The car has been professionally repainted and finished in its historically correct 1999 Winfield Formula 1 livery, faithfully recreating the original appearance of this remarkable Williams.

The car is offered as a rolling chassis, meaning that it is not equipped with its original Supertec V10 engine.

The car features:

• An original rolling chassis
• Steering wheel
• Functional steering mechanism
• Freely rolling suspension and wheel assemblies
• Driver’s seat
• Pedal assembly
• Five-point racing harness
• Fully restored bodywork with period-correct sponsor decals

Thanks to its cosmetic restoration, this Williams FW21-01 represents an excellent example of an authentic Formula 1 car from the 1999 season.

A Remarkable Piece of Formula 1 History

What makes this Williams FW21-01 particularly special is the combination of its historical significance and its genuine involvement in the 1999 FIA Formula One World Championship.

As the very first chassis of the FW21 programme, the car was used for the official launch, the initial shakedown and the early development of the model.

More importantly, this particular chassis was driven by Alessandro Zanardi during the 1999 Australian Grand Prix and subsequently served as the team’s spare car at the Monaco Grand Prix.

Chassis FW21-01 therefore represents an authentic piece of Williams Formula 1 history, with a direct connection to two well-known Formula 1 drivers, Ralf Schumacher and Alessandro Zanardi.

A rare opportunity for collectors seeking a genuine Formula 1 car with documented history, an original chassis identity and actual Grand Prix participation.