Williams sets February 3 date for 2026 FW48 livery reveal

Williams has announced it will reveal the livery for its 2026 Formula 1 car, the FW48, on February 3, marking a key moment for a team built around the new regulations. The reveal comes as Williams aims to build on a strong 2025 season where it finished fifth in the constructors' championship, fueled by Carlos Sainz's two podium finishes, and continues its long-term project to return to the front of the grid.

Why it matters:

The 2026 season represents the culmination of a multi-year project for Williams under team principal James Vowles, who has consistently pointed to the new regulations as the team's primary target. This livery reveal is the first public step in showcasing the results of that strategic focus, signaling Williams' ambition to close the gap to the top teams and capitalize on its recent upward trajectory.

The Details:

• Reveal Date: The FW48's livery will be shown on February 3, though the format of the reveal, whether a digital launch or a physical event, has not yet been confirmed.
• Fan-Designed Livery: Williams will also kick off the 2026 season with a special fan-designed livery, a project that engaged the global fanbase with almost 55,000 votes from 162 countries.
• 2025 Momentum: The team carries significant momentum into the new year after a successful 2025 campaign. Sainz's two podiums were crucial in securing fifth place in the constructors' standings, validating the team's recent progress.
• Vowles' Long-Term Vision: Team principal James Vowles has been transparent about his strategy since joining in 2023, consistently stating that the team's main focus was the 2026 regulation change.
  • He previously indicated that short-term performance might be sacrificed for long-term gain: "It could even be that we drop backwards a little bit in ‘24, but the sacrifice will be worthwhile for that long-term vision of ‘26."
• A Realistic Outlook: Despite the success, Vowles remains grounded. Following Sainz's first podium for the team in 2025, he emphasized that while Williams is on "the right journey," there is still "a long way to go" to consistently challenge for wins against the "giants" of the sport.

What's next:

All eyes will be on the February 3 reveal to see the visual identity of the car Williams hopes will propel it into the next phase of its resurgence. The team will be hoping the FW48 can provide a solid platform for Sainz and Alex Albon to build on 2025's success and challenge more regularly for top positions, proving that Vowles' long-term strategy is beginning to pay dividends.