Williams presented its 2026 F1 livery and car after switching the big launch to an online reveal, due to delays in production.
Despite spending a large time in 2024 and 2025 on the F1 2026 project, the push from Williams came undone at the crucial phase as they fell behind in production to get a car ready for the Barcelona shakedown last weekend. They had one chassis at least, but the spares were a problem.
That’s why they took the big decision to skip the shakedown and undertake virtual testing with the chassis and power unit in one place. It is of course not the same as on track, but they took the decision keeping Bahrain tests in mind. They couldn’t use their Barcelona test livery as well.
They were supposed to undertake a full launch event, but trimmed it to an online launch to show its livery for the 2026 F1 season aboard FW48, to be driven by Alexander Albon and Carlos Sainz. The team retained the corporate blue, but added bits around.
Alongside the dark shade of blue, it added a shade of light blue and also bit of silver. Last year, they announced a revamped ‘W’ logo of Williams to continue the legacy of Sir Frank Williams, even though the team is now in the hands of Dorilton Capital.
“This is contrasted with a flowing section of black, sweeping from the chassis side through to the rear of the car, which is framed by an iconic red and white keyline – a feature of championship-winning Williams cars like Nigel Mansell’s FW14B and Damon Hill’s FW18 which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year,” said the team in its release.
“2026 is the next step on the path back towards the top for Atlassian Williams F1 Team as we enter a new era for the sport, and we are excited about the season ahead,” said team boss James Vowles, post the launch.
“We have a great driver line up, some fantastic new partners, an ever-growing fanbase and want to build on the success we tasted last year, but we are not naïve about the challenge ahead of us. Nobody quite knows what will happen at the first race but we are looking forward to finding out, and hope our fans will love cheering us on with this great new livery.”
On the driver side, Albon said: “It’s always special to see a new livery for the first time, and the FW48 looks incredible. The design really stands out – it’s bold, modern and unmistakably Atlassian Williams F1 Team. I can’t wait for the fans to see it on track and cheer us on in 2026.”
And Sainz added: “The FW48 livery is a real statement of our intent for 2026. The design celebrates Atlassian Williams F1 Team’s heritage while embracing a fresh, dynamic look for the new era. I’m excited to race in this livery and to share the thrill with fans around the world – their support makes all the difference as we continue on our journey together!”
Here’s Williams signing deal with Barclays: https://www.williamsf1.com/articles/d9df5ea8-6286-4cf8-85da-e6bd96ef7e2e/barclays-official-banking-partner
Here’s last from James Vowles:
2026 F1 livery reveals so far –
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