Williams Dresses the FW48 in Red, White, and Blue for Silverstone
Williams has unveiled a one-off Union Jack-inspired livery for the 2026 British Grand Prix at Silverstone. The FW48 carries splashes of red, white, and blue across the nose cone and chassis side, with drivers Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz also wearing special one-off race suits. The team sits eighth in the constructors' championship heading into its home round.
A patriotic makeover for the FW48
Atlassian Williams F1 Team has revealed a one-off Union Jack-inspired livery design and special edition team kit as the team kicks off its week-long British GP celebrations. [1] The special livery showcases the energy and spirit of the team's home race at Silverstone, with splashes of red, white, and blue across the nose cone and chassis side. [1] As in previous seasons, Williams has incorporated elements of the Union Jack into its livery, though where this has previously appeared on its engine cover, this year the flanks of the FW48's nose have been restyled. [4]
Drivers and team kit included
Drivers Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz will also show off the design with one-off race suits, while trackside team members will sport takeover kits, designed and made by Williams' Official Team Kit Partner New Era. [1] Fans will also have the opportunity to wear the special designs through a new merchandise line, which features items such as a T-shirt for £74, a polo shirt for £83, a cap for £41, and a jacket for £130. [3]
A road show across Britain
Starting from Monday, Williams will take its show car, carrying the special British GP design, to Cardiff, Manchester, Edinburgh, and London. [1] London-based fans will also be able to join the team at a free-to-enter Fan Zone, presented by Kraken, offering on-stage appearances from Alex Albon, James Vowles, and Damon Hill. [1]
History at Silverstone
Silverstone has played host to some of Williams' most magical moments, including the team's first victory in 1979 with Clay Regazzoni driving the FW07 and its 100th race win at the hands of Jacques Villeneuve in 1997. [1] In total Williams has won eight times at Silverstone, with home favourite Nigel Mansell taking three of those wins and memorably giving Ayrton Senna a lift back on his sidepod after his dominant 42-second victory in 1991. [1]
Championship context
After a difficult start to the 2026 season, Williams currently sits eighth in the constructors' championship with 11 points. [3] Williams is hoping to make a significant step forward at its home round as it introduces an upgrade package, having been struggling with an overweight car since the start of the season. [4] The British Grand Prix will take place at Silverstone from 3 to 5 July. [3]
:::analysis The timing of this livery reveal is calculated. A patriotic, Union Jack-themed car is one of the lowest-risk forms of fan engagement: it costs little relative to a full rebrand and generates a wave of social media attention in the days before a home round. For a team sitting eighth in the standings with a car still carrying ballast problems, the optics of celebrating Silverstone history (114 grand prix victories, eight wins at the venue itself) serve to remind fans of a legacy that the current 2026 campaign has so far failed to match on track. The upgrade package arriving alongside the livery is arguably the more consequential story of the weekend. :::
Related reading
[1]: Atlassian Williams F1 Team, "Atlassian Williams F1 Team Reveals Celebration Livery and Team Kit for Silverstone," williamsf1.com, accessed 2026-06-29. https://www.williamsf1.com/articles/1941fad0-567a-488b-9de4-d33e2383353b/atlassian-williams-f1-team-reveals-celebration-livery-and-team-kit-for-silverstone [2]: formula1.com, "Williams reveal special livery for home race at Silverstone," accessed 2026-06-29. https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article/williams-reveal-special-livery-for-home-race-at-silverstone.6FxNnNqJ3D4OTcBqb6oRe6 [3]: motorsport.com, "Williams unveils special F1 British GP livery for Silverstone home race," accessed 2026-06-29. https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/williams-unveils-special-f1-british-gp-livery-for-silverstone-home-race/10834916/ [4]: racefans.net, "Williams reveals celebration livery for British Grand Prix weekend," accessed 2026-06-29. https://www.racefans.net/2026/06/29/williams-reveals-celebration-livery-for-british-grand-prix-weekend/
- [1]Atlassian Williams F1 Team Reveals Celebration Livery and Team Kit for Silverstone (williamsf1). Accessed 2026-06-29.
- [2]Williams reveal special livery for home race at Silverstone (formula1). Accessed 2026-06-29.
- [3]Williams unveils special F1 British GP livery for Silverstone home race (motorsport). Accessed 2026-06-29.
- [4]Williams reveals celebration livery for British Grand Prix weekend (racefans). Accessed 2026-06-29.