{"id":4114,"date":"2026-10-17T11:20:00","date_gmt":"2026-10-17T14:20:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/?p=4114"},"modified":"2026-10-17T09:36:25","modified_gmt":"2026-10-17T12:36:25","slug":"williams-skips-fw49-for-2027-as-fans-get-power-to-choose-silverstone-f1-livery","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/f1\/williams-skips-fw49-for-2027-as-fans-get-power-to-choose-silverstone-f1-livery\/","title":{"rendered":"Williams skips FW49 for 2027 as fans get power to choose Silverstone F1 livery"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">News Summary<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Williams will name its 2027 Formula 1 car FW50<\/strong>, skipping FW49 to mark its 50th anniversary.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Fans will choose a special one-race livery for Silverstone<\/strong>, although the voting process has not yet been announced.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The team will stage <strong>W50 Live in London from February 11\u201328<\/strong>, featuring historic cars and a show car representing its 2027 challenger.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Williams has confirmed that its 2027 Formula 1 car will be called the FW50, skipping the expected FW49 designation to celebrate the team&#8217;s 50th anniversary<\/strong>, while giving supporters the opportunity to choose a special livery for the British Grand Prix at Silverstone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Grove-based organisation announced a year-long programme of celebrations on Thursday, October 15, including a major exhibition in London, historic Formula 1 machinery, exclusive events and opportunities for fans to participate in the anniversary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The FW50 will be driven by <strong>Carlos Sainz and Alexander Albon<\/strong>, whose contracts for 2027 have already been confirmed. The team will reveal a show car during its London celebrations, although the final racing specification has not yet been presented.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Williams becomes only the third Formula 1 team to reach 50 consecutive years in the championship, following Ferrari and McLaren.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Why Williams is skipping the FW49 name<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The decision to name the 2027 car FW50 follows a precedent established by Williams during its 40th anniversary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In 2017, the team skipped the FW39 designation and introduced the FW40 to commemorate four decades in Formula 1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The same approach will be repeated next year, with the current <strong>FW48 succeeded directly by FW50<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The designation is part of a wider celebration of Williams&#8217; history, which includes nine Constructors&#8217; Championships, seven Drivers&#8217; Championships and 114 Grand Prix victories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The team began competing under the Williams Grand Prix Engineering identity in 1977, establishing itself as one of Formula 1&#8217;s most successful independent constructors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Williams team principal <strong>James Vowles<\/strong> said the anniversary represents an opportunity to introduce the organisation&#8217;s achievements to a new generation while maintaining its ambition to return to the front.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8220;It is incredible to think that over 100 F1 teams have come and gone since Frank Williams built this team from next to nothing,&#8221; Vowles said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The British team principal highlighted the independence and determination that have characterised Williams throughout its history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8220;That independence, passion and relentless will to win remain in our DNA as we enter our 50th year,&#8221; he added.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The anniversary arrives during an important period for Williams, which has been attempting to rebuild its technical infrastructure and recover from a difficult start to Formula 1&#8217;s new regulatory era.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As <a href=\"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/f1\/williams-faces-embarrassing-new-f1-cycle-saved-from-the-bottom-only-by-aston-martin-and-cadillac\/\"><strong>GRANDE PR\u00caMIO examined in its analysis of Williams&#8217; 2026 difficulties<\/strong><\/a>, the team struggled with an overweight car and aerodynamic limitations despite concentrating substantial resources on the new regulations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Fans will choose Williams&#8217; Silverstone livery<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">One of the most distinctive elements of the anniversary programme will be a special design for the <strong>2027 British Grand Prix<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Williams confirmed that supporters will have the opportunity to select the livery used by Sainz and Albon at Silverstone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The design will be used for <strong>one race only<\/strong>, rather than replacing the team&#8217;s regular colours for the entire season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, Williams has not yet announced the voting options, the date when voting will open or the mechanism supporters will use to make their selection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The decision to involve fans reflects the importance of Silverstone in the team&#8217;s history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Williams secured its first Formula 1 victory at the circuit in 1979, when Clay Regazzoni won the British Grand Prix.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The venue also hosted the team&#8217;s 100th Grand Prix victory, achieved by Jacques Villeneuve in 1997.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In total, Williams has won <strong>eight Grands Prix at Silverstone<\/strong>, including three victories by Nigel Mansell.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The team&#8217;s 1991 British Grand Prix victory remains particularly memorable because Mansell gave Ayrton Senna a lift back to the pits after the Brazilian retired.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The anniversary livery will therefore connect the current Williams team with some of its most successful moments at its home circuit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/f1-2026-espanha-corrida-williams-carlos-sainz-05-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"F1 2026, ESPANHA, CORRIDA, WILLIAMS, CARLOS SAINZ\" class=\"wp-image-1020315171\" srcset=\"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/f1-2026-espanha-corrida-williams-carlos-sainz-05-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/f1-2026-espanha-corrida-williams-carlos-sainz-05-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/f1-2026-espanha-corrida-williams-carlos-sainz-05-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/f1-2026-espanha-corrida-williams-carlos-sainz-05-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/f1-2026-espanha-corrida-williams-carlos-sainz-05-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/f1-2026-espanha-corrida-williams-carlos-sainz-05-150x100.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Williams with special livery in Spain (Photo: Williams)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Williams brings legendary F1 cars to London<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The centrepiece of the celebrations will be <strong>W50 Live<\/strong>, an exhibition running from February 11 to 28, 2027, at 26 Leake Street in Waterloo, London.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The event will feature a theatrical presentation of the team&#8217;s history alongside championship-winning cars and memorabilia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Among the confirmed exhibits are the <strong>FW06<\/strong>, Williams Grand Prix Engineering&#8217;s first car; the <strong>FW11B<\/strong>, which carried Nelson Piquet to the 1987 Drivers&#8217; Championship; and the <strong>FW14B<\/strong>, which dominated the 1992 season with Nigel Mansell.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The exhibition will also include the <strong>FW19<\/strong>, driven by Jacques Villeneuve during his 1997 championship campaign, and the <strong>FW25<\/strong>, which established a Formula 1 average-speed record that stood for 17 years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Another highlight will be the <strong>FW38<\/strong>, associated with Valtteri Bottas&#8217; 378km\/h speed record at the 2016 Mexican Grand Prix.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A show car representing the FW50 will also appear at the exhibition, giving supporters an early opportunity to see the anniversary identity before the new Formula 1 season begins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The location itself carries historical significance. Frank Williams first encountered future co-founder Patrick Head while the engineer was working beneath a railway arch in London, and the anniversary exhibition will take place beneath the arches of Waterloo.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Tickets for W50 Live will go on pre-sale to Williams W Club members on <strong>October 26<\/strong>, followed by general sales on <strong>October 29<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The team has also announced opportunities to win tickets and attend the FW50 launch through its official channels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sainz and Albon target Williams recovery in anniversary season<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Williams will enter its anniversary year with continuity in the cockpit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/f1\/albon-signs-williams-contract-extension-for-the-2027-formula-1-season\/\"><strong>Albon extended his contract for 2027 in August<\/strong><\/a>, securing a sixth consecutive season with the team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Thai driver has become Williams&#8217; longest-serving competitor by Grand Prix starts, surpassing Mansell&#8217;s previous team record.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/f1\/sainz-extends-with-williams-how-the-provisional-2027-f1-grid-shapes-up\/\"><strong>Sainz subsequently confirmed his own contract extension<\/strong><\/a>, allowing Williams to maintain the same experienced line-up for the new season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Spaniard described the anniversary as an opportunity to recognise the team&#8217;s achievements while continuing the rebuilding process.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8220;We know what Williams has been capable of in the past, and now it&#8217;s our turn to keep building this team back into a winning team,&#8221; Sainz said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He acknowledged that returning Williams to the front would not be straightforward, but expressed confidence that the organisation could make further progress in 2027.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Albon also welcomed the celebrations, saying it would be an honour to represent the team during such an important year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Williams&#8217; immediate focus remains improving its current car. The team introduced significant changes at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, including weight reduction and aerodynamic revisions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As <a href=\"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/f1\/can-williams-major-baku-upgrade-work-at-sepang\/\"><strong>GRANDE PR\u00caMIO reported after the Baku upgrades<\/strong><\/a>, Sainz reached Q3 and scored a point, although the team acknowledged that further development would be required to improve its competitiveness consistently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The FW50 will therefore represent both a historic anniversary and another stage in Williams&#8217; effort to become a regular contender near the front of Formula 1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/f1-2026-singapura-classificacao-sprint-williams-alex-albon-3-1024x576.png\" alt=\"F1 2026, SINGAPURA, CLASSIFICA\u00c7\u00c3O SPRINT, WILLIAMS, ALEX ALBON, CARRO\" class=\"wp-image-1020317596\" srcset=\"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/f1-2026-singapura-classificacao-sprint-williams-alex-albon-3-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/f1-2026-singapura-classificacao-sprint-williams-alex-albon-3-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/f1-2026-singapura-classificacao-sprint-williams-alex-albon-3-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/f1-2026-singapura-classificacao-sprint-williams-alex-albon-3-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/f1-2026-singapura-classificacao-sprint-williams-alex-albon-3-1200x675.png 1200w, https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/f1-2026-singapura-classificacao-sprint-williams-alex-albon-3-150x84.png 150w, https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/f1-2026-singapura-classificacao-sprint-williams-alex-albon-3.png 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Alexander Albon (Photo: F1)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When will Williams unveil the FW50?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Williams has confirmed that a show car representing its 2027 challenger will feature at W50 Live in February, but <strong>has not announced the precise date of the FW50&#8217;s full launch<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The team is also planning a separate launch event, with opportunities for supporters to win attendance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The special British Grand Prix livery will be chosen later in 2027, with further information about the voting process still to be released.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Formula 1 returns at the <strong>United States Grand Prix in Austin on October 23\u201325<\/strong>, where Williams will continue evaluating its 2026 development programme. <strong>GRANDE PR\u00caMIO<\/strong> will cover the team&#8217;s preparations and the championship through its <a href=\"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/f1\/\">Formula 1 coverage<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Williams will name its 2027 F1 car FW50 and let fans choose a special British GP livery as the team celebrates 50 years with a London exhibition.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":1020317495,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"42wp_featured_image_caption":"Carlos Sainz","42wp_featured_image_credits":"Williams","42wp_featured_video":"","42wp_ai_content_disclaimer":"","42wp_is_ai_content":false,"42wp_featured_image_hidden":false,"42wp_authors_list":[{"id":22,"location":""}],"footnotes":"","42wp_breaking_news":false},"categories":[5],"tags":[60,147,861,62],"42wp_author":[22],"class_list":["post-4114","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-f1","tag-alexander-albon","tag-carlos-sainz","tag-fw50","tag-williams","42wp_author-jp-nascimento"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4114","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4114"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4114\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4115,"href":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4114\/revisions\/4115"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1020317495"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4114"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4114"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4114"},{"taxonomy":"42wp_author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/42wp_author?post=4114"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}