With what was regarded as the best chassis and aerodynamics in the field combined with the best engine,[4] the 1995 season was disappointing for the team, who were beaten to both titles by Michael Schumacher and Benetton. Although the FW17 was superior in qualifying trim, taking 12 pole positions, Schumacher was usually more competitive on race day. The Benetton team arguably made better strategy decisions during races and Schumacher was able to win nine races against Hill and Coulthard's combined total of five. The reliability of the FW17 was also inferior to the Benetton's, with mechanical issues costing Hill victories in Brazil and Germany as well as podium finishes in Spain and Canada. Coulthard also suffered mechanical failures which aflicted the Scotsman whilst leading in Argentina, Belgium and Itay, whilst further podium finishes were lost in Spain, and Monaco. Despite the setbacks, Hill fought Schumacher for the title for the second year in a row, taking wins in Argentina, San Marino, Hungary and Australia. However, Hill's title challenge was blunted after high profile collisions with Schumacher whilst battling in Britain and Italy as their rivalry intensified across the season. Meanwhile, Coulthard took his first and only victory for the team in Portugal to keep the team in title contention. Unfortunately, both drivers went on to make several unforced errors across the second half of the season which saw Schumacher and Benetton wrap up both titles during the Japanese double-header.
History
For qualifying at the Portuguese Grand Prix, the Williams FW17B was debuted, although not used for the race itself.[5] In the final four races of the season, the FW17B took three pole positions and one victory, but the titles were already just about out of reach due to the success of Schumacher and his Benetton B195.
The team eventually finished second in the Constructors' Championship, with 112 points; both Williams and Benetton had their constructor's points deducted from the Brazilian Grand Prix (6 and 10 points respectively) following an appeal that saw both teams' fuel-related disqualifications overturned from race standings.
The FW17 is notable for being the first Williams car to race with a raised nose, and was the first 'clean sheet' design from the team since 1991 (as the car's two predecessors had been evolutions of the FW14), owing to the new technical regulations for the 1995 season.
During an interview with Top Gear in 2012, Coulthard spoke positively about the FW17, saying that it was his favourite out of the cars he had driven in his career.[6]
For a second year, Williams had a title sponsorship deal with Rothmans. Williams used Rothmans logos, except at the French, British, German and European Grands Prix; where it was replaced with 'Racing' or barcode with a tricoloured rectangle that associated with the brand. At the French Grand Prix, the Black Tower logo was removed.
As a tribute to Ayrton Senna, who was tragically killed the previous season, the Senna 'S' logo was presented on the front wing.
^ – Coulthard's second place at the Brazilian Grand Prix did not count towards Constructors' Championship points as the FIA did not reinstate the constructor's points after the initial disqualification due to fuel irregularities was overturned.
