Williams Racing will display the names of all 1,005 team members in a spectacular Union Jack livery for the British Grand Prix this weekend as part of a series of home race celebration events.
The FW46 raced by Alex Albon and Logan Sargeant at Silverstone will be transformed to fly the flag in thanks and appreciation to everyone at the team’s Grove HQ, New York and London bases and at races who are working tirelessly on our mission to return the team to the front of the grid.
Their names have been intricately woven into the red, white and blue engine cover design which crowns a week of special events and activities for Williams’ home race. The team have repeatedly demonstrated exceptional teamwork and resilience under pressure this season, and the livery pays tribute to the enormous human effort it takes to race in Formula 1.
In a separate addition, Manchester-based team partner THG will see its Myprotein brand featured on the rear wing as a one-off British GP special.
Continuing the celebrations trackside, Michelin-starred chef Tom Kerridge will join the team to lay on a feast for Williams’ guests at Silverstone. The world-famous cook will prepare a menu in the team motorhome across the weekend showcasing the Best of British produce.
On track, Williams’ home-race efforts will be spearheaded by London-born Alex Albon in Formula 1 and Brits Zak O’Sullivan in Formula 2 and Luke Browning in Formula 3. Williams Racing Driver Academy F2 racer Franco Colapinto will drive Logan’s FW46 in FP1 after a strong start to his rookie F2 season. Fans will also be treated to a star of Williams’ heritage collection as Jenson Button is reunited with his first-ever F1 car, the Williams FW22 from 2000, for a series of demonstration runs.
Away from track, Williams’ commitment to providing unrivalled access and experiences for fans will be in full swing. Our London Fan Zone, presented by Kraken, will be located at the iconic Piccadilly Circus right in the heart of the capital and will feature appearances from Alex Albon, Logan Sargeant, Team Principal James Vowles, Jenson Button, and the Williams Academy F2 Driver Zak O’Sullivan. An innovative Augmented Reality experience, ‘Where is Williams’, will take fans on a virtual treasure hunt around London landmarks in search of Williams memorabilia, with the overall winner securing a British race experience for two.
Special Silverstone caps and t-shirts celebrating Williams’ heritage will be available to buy, and Friday will see the first release of a limited-edition whisky from our licensing partnership with Coachbuilt Whisky – co-founded by Jenson Button – which will commemorate the Constructors’ Championship-winning FW18 from 1996 that also delivered Damon Hill the Drivers’ title.
Fans attending the race at Silverstone will be able to test their driving skills in our Williams Racing simulators, located next to the Silverstone UTC on the outside of the track opposite the National Circuit pits.
We will also be continuing our long-standing commitment to opening up access to Formula 1 and inspiring the next generation to consider a career in motorsport by bringing a range of F1 exhibits to an F1 family day in Silverstone village on Thursday. Families will be able to get up close to race suits, tyres, helmets and carbon fibre, as well as pose for pictures on a Williams winners podium.
And the celebrations will continue once the race is over as Williams heads to the prestigious Goodwood Festival of Speed – a marquee event of the British summer season. F1 drivers Alex Albon and Logan Sargeant, Team Principal James Vowles and F1 Academy starlet Lia Block will all take to the wheel of the 1982 Drivers’ Championship-winning FW08 at the annual showpiece celebration of motorsport.
Team Principal James Vowles said:
“Silverstone is always one of the highlights of the year and I’m delighted we are thanking our staff as the centrepiece of our home race celebrations. Williams is transforming from top to bottom so we can fight our way back to the front, and our people and culture will be key to that success."
"It takes extraordinary effort from every individual at the factory and at track to race in Formula 1, and I’m especially proud of the resilience whilst under pressure we have demonstrated so far this year.”
Alex Albon commented:
“I’m looking forward to being back in the UK for the team’s home race, not just because of the fans but because Silverstone to me is the true meaning of racing and is the place I first fell in love with the sport."
"It’s one of the best races on the calendar, bringing passionate fans from all over to enjoy such a special Grand Prix, and it’s the perfect place to celebrate the huge team effort that goes into racing all across the globe. The Fan Zone is at such an iconic location this year, sharing what makes Williams so special with those who can’t make it to Silverstone.”
Logan Sargeant said:
“I’ve always loved racing at Silverstone. The track has everything a driver wants with its quick and flowing nature. I have fond memories of this place throughout my career, and it’s always been one that I’ve performed well at."
"Racing with the names of every single team member on the car is the perfect way to mark everyone’s hard work and a home race for Williams. The fans are what makes Silverstone so special as they’re some of the most passionate in the world and you can really feel them getting behind the team. Being able to bring Williams to the heart of London through our Fan Zone is an awesome way to connect with fans both old and new.”