Williams unveils 800-race anniversary livery for British GP F1

Williams Reveals Special Livery to Commemorate 800th Race Anniversary at British GP F1

To mark their momentous 800th race milestone, Williams has unveiled a commemorative livery for the British Grand Prix. The engine cover of the FW45, driven by Alex Albon and Logan Sargeant, is adorned with the iconic Union Jack, while the sidepods proudly display references to the team’s landmark achievement.

Gulf, the team’s sponsor, receives enhanced branding on the car’s rear wing endplates, further showcasing their partnership. Originally, the 800th race was supposed to take place at the Imola circuit during the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix. However, due to its cancellation, the significant milestone now falls during the Hungarian Grand Prix.

Nevertheless, Williams has decided to keep the special livery on the car for both race weekends, ensuring that they can still celebrate their anniversary in front of their loyal British fans at Silverstone. In their official statement, Williams explained that the livery pays homage to the team’s British heritage and their beloved founder, the late Sir Frank Williams.

Sir Frank Williams, who passed away in November 2021, led the team for the majority of its 800 races. Under his guidance, Williams secured an impressive nine constructors’ championships and seven drivers’ championships from 1977 to 2020.

It is important to note that the anniversary livery is distinct from the fan-voted Gulf livery, which will appear on the car during the Singapore, Japan, and Qatar rounds later in the season. Fans had the opportunity to vote for their preferred design from four concept options. The final choices were the ‘Bolder than bold’ and ‘Heritage’ liveries, and the team has yet to reveal which design was selected by the fans.

Currently sitting ninth in the constructors’ standings, Williams has only scored points twice this season. Team leader Alex Albon secured a point with a 10th-place finish in the season-opening Bahrain Grand Prix. In the recent Canadian Grand Prix, he achieved a morale-boosting seventh place, bringing the team’s total to seven points. Logan Sargeant, the rookie driver, is yet to score points but showcased his best performance of the season at the Red Bull Ring in Austria, finishing 13th.

In addition to the special livery, Williams has organized various festivities for the Silverstone weekend, including a dedicated fanzone in London and a demonstration of Nigel Mansell’s championship-winning FW14B driven by the team’s brand ambassador and former driver, Jenson Button.

Williams’ British GP livery can be seen in the accompanying photo.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about anniversary livery

What is the significance of the special livery unveiled by Williams?

The special livery unveiled by Williams is to commemorate their 800th race anniversary in Formula 1. It pays homage to the team’s British heritage and their late founder, Sir Frank Williams.

Which drivers will be driving the car with the special livery?

The car with the special livery will be driven by Alex Albon and Logan Sargeant.

Why was the 800th race milestone shifted from Imola to Hungary?

The cancellation of the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix at Imola resulted in the 800th race milestone being inconveniently shifted to the Hungarian Grand Prix.

Will the special livery be used only for the British Grand Prix?

No, Williams has decided to keep the special livery on the car for both the British Grand Prix and the Hungarian Grand Prix to celebrate their anniversary in front of their British fans.

What other plans does Williams have for the Silverstone weekend?

In addition to the special livery, Williams has planned further festivities for the Silverstone weekend, including a dedicated fanzone in London and a demo of Nigel Mansell’s championship-winning FW14B driven by Jenson Button, the team’s brand ambassador and former driver.

How has Williams performed in the current season?

Williams is currently ninth in the constructors’ standings and has scored points in two races so far. Alex Albon secured a point in the Bahrain Grand Prix, while Logan Sargeant is yet to score points but achieved his best performance of the season at the Red Bull Ring in Austria.

What is the fan-voted Gulf livery?

The fan-voted Gulf livery is a separate livery that will appear on the Williams car for the Singapore, Japan, and Qatar rounds later in the season. Fans had the opportunity to vote for their preferred design from four concept options. The chosen design has not been revealed yet.

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