Williams is presenting itself in a new look at its home race in Silverstone. The FW46 of Alex Albon and Logan Sargeant is getting a one-off special paint job as a thank you to all team members. British festival is the motto for the team from Grove: Jenson Button drives his first Formula 1 car, Michelin chef prepares a British feast for guests.
Pure patriotism at Williams: flag, names and Jenson Button
Usually better known for Gulf special paint jobs, this time the motto at Williams is blue, red and white instead of blue and orange. The engine cover of the Formula 1 racing car is decorated with a large British flag on which the names of all team members are written. Not only from the headquarters in Grove, but also those of the employees at the locations in New York and London.
A total of 1,005 names will be included on the special paintwork, which was designed especially for Williams’ home race and will only be used at Silverstone. Also new is the Myprotein logo on the rear wing of the car. Formula 2 driver Franco Colapinto will also be able to test out the new design. The Williams junior will replace Logan Sargeant in the first free practice session.
The American is already looking forward to getting his Formula 1 cockpit back for the rest of the weekend: “A race with the name of every single team member on the car is the perfect way to recognize everyone’s hard work and our home race.”
“Silverstone is always one of the highlights of the year and I am delighted that thanking our employees is at the heart of our home race festivities,” said James Vowles in the press release. “Williams is undergoing a fundamental transformation so that we can once again compete at the top, and our people and our culture will be key to that success.”
In addition to the special paintwork, there is a special surprise for the team’s guests: Michelin chef Tom Kerridge will prepare a “Best of British” feast of local specialties. If that’s not enough spectacle for you: Jenson Button will drive his first Formula 1 car, the Williams FW22 from 2000, in several demo runs on the track.
Logan Sargeant is in danger of having to give up his cockpit for more than just one free practice session. Williams has recently been aggressively courting Carlos Sainz, and rumors have also surfaced about young star Kimi Antonelli. But James Vowles’ number one target remains the Spaniard: you can find out all about it in this article.