Williams has announced that its FW45 car will be painted in a special livery for the British Grand Prix to celebrate 800 races in Formula 1.
The livery will pay homage to Frank Williams, the founder of the Grove-based squad who passed away in 2021.
Silverstone was originally scheduled to be Williams’ 800th race in F1 – however owing to the cancellation of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix earlier this year, the landmark has moved to the Hungarian Grand Prix.
The event in Budapest will see Williams sport a special emblem.
Williams states that it is introducing the celebrations at Silverstone to allow British fans to experience the commemoration.
“Reaching the milestone of our 800th Grand Prix is a remarkable achievement for Williams Racing,” said team boss James Vowles.
“We are incredibly proud of our history and the legacy built over the years. Over our 46-year history, the team has achieved incredible results.
“With nine Constructors’ championships and seven Drivers’ titles to our name we are the second most successful Formula 1 team of all time, only behind Ferrari.
“We invite all our fans to join us in this celebration as we pay tribute to our iconic past and look towards a bright future.”
On the build-up to the British Grand Prix next week, 2009 F1 World Champion Jenson Button will get behind the wheel of the 1992 title-winning FW14B on Sunday.
Williams last enjoyed championship success in 1997, winning both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championship.
In recent years, it has been competing towards the bottom end of the F1 pecking order.
Its last victory to date came at the 2012 Spanish Grand Prix, when Pastor Maldonado stunned en route to the win.
Williams also stated that as part of the celebrations, its fanzone will be open in the heart of Piccadilly in London from Monday to Sunday at 48 Regent Street during the British Grand Prix week
There, fans will have the opportunity to meet key figures of the Williams team, including Alex Albon, Logan Sargeant, Jenson Button and James Vowles, as well as see heritage cars on display.
