After introducing a title sponsor for the first time in their 48-year history, Atlassian Williams Racing became the first team to officially launch their 2025 season challenger. With both drivers, Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz, present, as well as team principal James Vowles and brand ambassador Jenson Button, the team unveiled the real FW47 at Silverstone.
Due to Liberty Media contracts for F1 75 Live happening in a few days, no team is allowed to show their real livery for this year ahead of the event. There have been a few teasers running around, like McLaren’s camo livery, but nobody revealed the full real thing yet. McLaren has prepared a special one-off livery to hide the key features of their new car and avoid breaching any contracts. Williams went a different route, keeping the old livery with new sponsors – letting the 2025 design stay hidden until the grand show in London.
Back in Silverstone, everyone was cheerful and ready for the new championship chapter to start. Lucky fans, who won a random raffle, were present to see the drivers playing a game of Mr. & Mr., as well as James Vowles getting quizzed on trivia, including history and the last edition of Love Island.
Carlos Sainz was chosen as the driver to complete the first two laps in the car for a brief shakedown, livestreamed through Williams’ app and on their socials. Alex Albon was scheduled for his own installation lap or two later in the afternoon, after mechanics finished changing the pedals, seat and steering wheel.
The whole show was very light-hearted and aimed at entertainment for the fans. The moderators laced their speech with innuendos, and in the spirit of love on Valentine’s Day, one lucky fan in attendance was chosen to receive a huge bouquet of red roses, a love letter, and a teddy bear from Jenson Button. The situation was even funnier considering the chosen fan, Mick, had brought his wife, who watched the whole segment unfold on the stage right in front of her.
As for the car, we learned that FW47 is an evolution of its predecessor, although the team believes they have taken a step forward and can aim for a podium this year. Both drivers seemed happy with the machinery so far, with Sainz sharing that everything in the monocoque felt good at the moment, “just a little cold”. Hopefully, the British weather is the only thing the Spanish driver will have to get used to.
James Vowles emphasized that the car is not just a short-term project and that all steps he is taking are aimed at long-term gains. After all, this is why Sainz chose the team despite having other offers. That, and being wined and dined by Vowles – which seems more relevant on Valentine’s Day than ever.