Williams Reveals Fresh FW48 Livery Ahead of 2026 Formula 1 Season
Williams has unveiled the new racing livery that will adorn its 2026 Formula 1 challenger, the FW48, presenting a refreshed visual identity that blends the team’s historic colour palette with modern sponsor-driven design elements. The reveal marks another step in the British team’s ongoing rebuild as it targets steady progression under the sport’s sweeping 2026 technical regulations.
Credit: Williams.com
The new look retains Williams’ traditional blue foundation, a colour closely tied to the team’s heritage, but introduces lighter blue and white accents across key aerodynamic surfaces to create a sharper, more contemporary appearance. These additions reflect the team’s evolving commercial partnerships and provide greater visual contrast, particularly around the sidepods, wings and rear sections of the car.
Team leadership emphasised that the updated livery represents more than a cosmetic refresh, describing it as part of a broader identity shift aimed at signalling Williams’ long term ambitions. Having invested heavily in infrastructure, simulation capability and technical recruitment in recent seasons, the Grove-based outfit views 2026 as a crucial benchmark year in its path back toward consistent front-running competitiveness.
The FW48 livery was revealed ahead of pre-season testing, allowing fans and partners an early look at the design even as final mechanical preparations for the new car continue. While the livery showcase highlights the visual aspects of the project, team engineers remain focused on extracting performance from the new generation of chassis and power unit regulations that are set to redefine the competitive landscape.
Credit: Motorsport.com
Drivers Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz were present at the unveiling, both expressing enthusiasm about the new colour scheme and the progress the team has made behind the scenes. For the drivers, the reveal marks the transition from development phase to on-track validation, with winter testing expected to provide the first meaningful indicators of the FW48’s competitiveness relative to rivals.
Williams finished the previous season in the midfield and has openly stated that the immediate objective is sustained points finishes and consistent race weekend execution. However, the team also views the regulation reset as an opportunity to close the gap to the front-running organisations, particularly as its long-term investment strategy begins to mature.
Fans reacted positively to the reveal, praising the return of strong traditional colours while welcoming the contemporary detailing that distinguishes the 2026 design from recent seasons. As launch season continues across the grid, the FW48’s new livery signals Williams’ intent to combine heritage with forward momentum, reinforcing the message that the team’s rebuild is entering a decisive phase.