Williams invites fans to choose test livery for 2026 FW48

Williams is handing creative control to its fans for the start of F1's new era, launching a global vote to decide the test livery for its 2026 challenger, the FW48. The initiative builds on the team's resurgent 2025 season and aims to deepen its connection with supporters as it prepares for sweeping regulation changes.

Why it matters:

This move represents a significant shift in fan engagement for a historic team. By allowing supporters to directly influence the car's appearance for its first public outing, Williams is democratizing a key element of team identity and leveraging its growing global fanbase for momentum heading into a pivotal new technical era in Formula 1.

The details:

• The team has presented six bespoke livery designs for the FW48 on its official website, with voting open until December 16.
• The winning design will be unveiled later this month and will serve as the car's official livery during its initial on-track runs at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in January.
• Team Principal James Vowles framed the decision as a natural extension of the connection forged with fans during the team's competitive 2025 season, which saw Williams finish fifth in the Constructors' Championship.
• Driver Alex Albon actively encouraged participation, highlighting the role fan support plays in motivating the team.

What's next:

After the fan-chosen livery is revealed, the FW48 will make its track debut in Barcelona testing. The team will then participate in further testing sessions in Bahrain in February. The 2026 season officially begins with the Australian Grand Prix on March 8, where Williams hopes its fan-powered launch and strengthened technical partnership with Mercedes will translate into continued progress up the grid.