Williams reveal striking 2026 F1 car after skipping first pre-season test | F1 | Sport

Williams have revealed a striking new livery for the 2026 F1 season after missing the first pre-season test in Montmelo. The Grove-based team were absent from the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya as their 10 rival teams completed three-day behind-closed-doors programmes, spread over a week.

James Vowles’ squad were set to launch their new challenger in an event at the team’s headquarters in Grove, but after the unexpected setback, Williams switched their reveal to a digital event, releasing imagery of the FW48 on Tuesday.

The FW48 is coated in a glossy finish with light blue and white blocks on the sidepod, giving visibility to sponsors Komatsu and Barclays. Title sponsor Atlassian features prominently, including on the engine cover and rear wing.

“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,” team principal Vowles said after the livery 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 naive 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.”

Adding his thoughts on the new design, Alex Albon added: “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.”

Team-mate Carlos Sainz said: “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.”

While Williams’ F1 rivals hit the track in Montmelo last week, the team were hard at work carrying out a virtual testing programme back at base in Grove, Oxfordshire, to ensure that they are ready for the second pre-season test in Bahrain.