Williams F1 Unveils Striking FW48 Livery for 2026 Formula 1 Season
The Atlassian Williams F1 Team has officially revealed the shiny new livery for its 2026 challenger, the FW48, offering fans an exciting preview ahead of the upcoming pre-season testing and the next Formula 1 season. This unveiling not only showcases the team's ambition as it enters a new regulatory era but also adds contemporary design touches that honor Williams' rich racing history.
Internal Unveiling in Grove with Key Team Members
The FW48 was unveiled to the team's staff during an internal gathering at their headquarters in Grove on February 3, 2026. The event featured drivers Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz, along with Team Principal James Vowles, who presented the car to enthusiastic team members. Following this reveal, the FW48 will be taken to the official pre-season tests in Bahrain, after Williams missed the previous rollout in Barcelona due to production delays.
A Visionary Design for a Critical Racing Season
The FW48's livery is dominated by a bright gloss blue, a color long-established as synonymous with Williams, now reinvigorated to signify the team's new identity under the Atlassian partnership. This fresh blue hue is complemented by a red and white keyline, which serves as a commemoration of past Williams championship-winning cars like the FW14B and FW18.
Key design elements include:
- White spaces strategically placed on the side pods, front wing, and rear wing to enhance the car's modern lines.
- These white accents help emphasize the appearance of sponsors on the race track, making them more prominent during competitions.
- A new color palette that aligns with the team's growing commercial relationships for the 2026 season, supported by new partners such as the world-famous brand Barclays.
Alex Albon praised the new appearance, calling it bold and modern and noting that the design is both striking and quintessentially Williams. Carlos Sainz echoed this sentiment, describing the livery as a statement of our purpose for the challenging season ahead and expressing excitement about racing in the new colors with global fan support.
A Fresh Start as Williams Enters 2026
The unveiling of the FW48 livery marks a significant moment in Williams' history, capturing the team's ambition to return to the front of the grid. This fresh start is bolstered by increased technical and commercial support in the sport, positioning Williams for a competitive edge in the new regulatory phase.
Although the FW48 has yet to race, its new appearance has already sparked considerable interest and debate among fans and competitors alike. Many are eager to see how the car will perform once it hits the track, with pre-season testing in Bahrain set to provide the first real indicators of its capabilities.
This reveal not only sets the stage for an exciting 2026 Formula 1 season but also reinforces Williams' commitment to innovation and excellence as it navigates the evolving landscape of motorsport.