Williams unveils first 2026 F1 'livery' with striking 'stealth' look

Williams has revealed the first visual concept for the 2026 Formula 1 season, debuting a striking 'stealth' livery on a mock-up of the new-spec car. The design, named 'Flow State', was chosen by fans in a recent vote and announced by drivers Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz ahead of the car's first track outing in January.

Why it matters:

This unveil offers the first glimpse of how teams might interpret the aesthetics of F1's next major regulatory era. While the livery is a mock-up and not the final race design, it signals Williams's early branding direction and fan engagement strategy for a season that promises radical technical changes.

The details:

• The team recently conducted a fan vote with six potential livery names: 'Blue Horizon', 'Future Force', 'Generation Next', 'Midnight Velocity', 'Flow State', and 'Apex Predator'.
• The winning 'Flow State' concept features a dark, 'stealth' look, a departure from the team's traditional blue and white heritage but potentially aligning with a more aggressive, modern identity for the new regulations.
• The livery is applied to a show car representing the 2026 chassis specifications, giving a preliminary idea of the car's proportions and aero philosophy.
• The first on-track running for the new cars is scheduled for a behind-closed-doors test in Barcelona this January, marking the initial shakedown of F1's next generation.

Looking ahead:

The 'Flow State' livery provides an early narrative for Williams's 2026 campaign, blending fan involvement with a fresh visual identity. The real test will come when the actual FW48 (or equivalent) hits the track, revealing whether the team's performance can match the bold new look promised by this first concept.