Williams Racing has officially revealed its 2025 livery at the highly anticipated F1 75 Live event at The O2 in London.
The new design of the FW47 was unveiled as part of the global launch event, where all 10 teams showcased their liveries and driver line-ups for the upcoming Formula 1 season.
After a turbulent 2024 season filled with highs, lows, and more than a few trips to the repair shop, Williams enters the new year with renewed ambition and a fresh driver pairing that promises to turn the tide.
The arrival of Carlos Sainz alongside Alex Albon signals a bold new chapter for the Grove-based outfit.
Looking back at 2024: A season of challenges for Williams
Last season, Williams endured a brutal campaign, finishing ninth in the Constructors’ Championship with just 17 points. While the FW46 showed glimpses of potential, it was too often let down by heavy crashes and costly mistakes.
The team’s most notable result came in Azerbaijan. Albon finished seventh, and rookie Franco Colapinto claimed eighth in his second race. It was a rare bright spot in a season overshadowed by reliability issues, missed opportunities, and an eye-watering repair bill.
Sargeant out, Colapinto in
Logan Sargeant struggled to match his teammate for the second year. This led to his mid-season replacement after a massive crash in Zandvoort.
Franco Colapinto, a Williams Academy driver, stepped in from Monza onwards. He was quickly proving his pace by scoring points in only his second F1 race. However, his inexperience showed as he, too, became crash-prone, culminating in a high-impact crash in Las Vegas.
Despite the struggles, Williams’ mechanics emerged as unsung heroes. They worked tirelessly through a record-breaking 24-race season to keep the cars running, sometimes even sacrificing one driver’s chassis to keep the other in the race.
A game-changer for 2025: The arrival of Sainz
After enduring one of its most physically and financially draining seasons, Williams heads into 2025 with optimism and a significant coup—securing Carlos Sainz from Ferrari.
Team Principal James Vowles made no secret of his ambition to bring the Spaniard on board. The reaction from the Williams factory when the signing was confirmed spoke volumes. With Albon and Sainz, Williams suddenly boasts one of the strongest driver line-ups in modern team history.
“In Alex and Carlos, we will have one of the most formidable driver line-ups on the grid and with huge experience to guide us into the new regulations in 2026,” Vowles stated.
Sainz’s proven ability to develop a car and push a team forward aligns perfectly with Williams’ long-term goals. His presence adds stability and raises expectations—Williams can no longer afford to be a team fighting at the back.
The FW47: A new beginning
This year’s F1 challenger aims to improve on the FW46’s weaknesses, particularly in aerodynamic efficiency and chassis durability. This cost the team dearly in 2024. Williams hopes that combining a stronger technical package and an elite driver line-up will see them take a significant step forward.
With pre-season testing kicking off in Bahrain on February 26, all eyes will be on Williams. Everyone is eager to see if this is the year they finally break free from the lower midfield.
