Williams will race with a livery inspired by its 1981 car in Madrid this weekend. Image: Williams
The FW48 will switch from its regular colours to a white and green scheme paying tribute to the championship-winning FW07C that represented Williams during Formula 1’s previous visit to Madrid in 1981.
Jones and Carlos Reutemann raced the FW07C at Jarama that season, with Williams ultimately securing the constructors’ championship.
Now, some 45 years later, the team has drawn on that era for its return to the Spanish capital as Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon prepare to tackle the Madring for the first time.
The one-off design was developed alongside Williams’ title and technology partner Atlassian, and was officially revealed on Tuesday evening at Williams’ Fan Zone in Madrid’s Plaza De Callao, where Sainz was on hand to unveil the new-look FW48.
Team principal James Vowles said the throwback provided an opportunity to recognise the knowledge built up across Williams’ lengthy history as it continues its rebuilding project.
The FW07C during a demonstration run in 2006. Image: XPB Images
“Our mission to get back to the front of the grid is drawn from, inspired by and informed by everything we’ve done before,” Vowles said.
“I am incredibly proud to celebrate that through Atlassian’s special livery, connecting the team we were at Jarama with the team we are becoming today through focused collaboration, improved technological innovation and real creativity.
“The car looks fantastic, and I cannot wait to see it lapping around Madrid.”
The Madrid weekend will carry additional significance for Sainz, who will contest his 13th Spanish Grand Prix but his first F1 race in the city where he was born and raised.
It also marks a new chapter for the Spanish Grand Prix, with the 22-turn Madring becoming the latest venue to join the world championship calendar.
The circuit combines public roads with purpose-built sections and brings F1 racing back to Madrid for the first time since Jones and Reutemann competed at Jarama more than four decades ago.
Williams heads into the weekend looking to end a lengthy points drought after failing to score across the eight grand prix weekends since Albon finished eighth in Monaco.
The team sits ninth in the constructors’ championship with 11 points.
Image: Williams
Image: Williams
Image: Williams