Williams outline plans for 50th anniversary year with calendar of special events

Williams have outlined plans for their 50th anniversary year in 2027, with a milestone chassis designation, an immersive experience in London and a fan-picked Silverstone car livery all set to feature throughout a calendar of special events.

Williams are set to become only the third F1 team, following on from rivals Ferrari and McLaren, to celebrate 50 continuous years in the sport, underlining their historic and storied status.

Described as the “centrepiece” of their celebrations, Williams will kick off 2027 with the ‘W50 Live’ experience in Waterloo, London – a theatrical, multi-sensory journey featuring title-winning cars and iconic memorabilia from the squad’s history.

It comes just over 50 years after Frank Williams discovered co-founder Patrick Head working in a garage under a London railway arch, marking the start of a journey that has led to nine Teams’ Championships, seven Drivers’ Championships and 114 Grand Prix victories.

Cars on display will include the FW06, which was the first chassis produced by Williams Grand Prix Engineering; the FW14B, which dominated the 1992 season and secured Nigel Mansell his crown; and the FW38, which still holds the record for the highest speed ever reached by an F1 car – 378kph by Valtteri Bottas at the 2016 Mexican Grand Prix.

‘W50 Live’ will also feature a show car of Williams’ 2027 challenger, which is to be named the FW50, moving straight from this year’s FW48, just as the team skipped from the FW38 to the FW40 on their 40th anniversary.

Other standout plans include giving fans the chance to choose their car livery for the British Grand Prix at Silverstone, which has played host to plenty of Williams milestones over the years – such as the team’s first F1 victory in 1979 with Clay Regazzoni, and their 100th race win with Jacques Villeneuve in 1997.

A series of limited-edition merchandise and collectible drops are also being worked on, all adorned with a commemorative W50 logo, with further anniversary moments to be revealed over the coming months.

“It is incredible to think that over 100 F1 teams have come and gone since Frank Williams built this team from next to nothing with a determination to race and win against motorsport’s powerhouses,” said Williams Team Principal James Vowles.

“That independence, passion and relentless will to win remain in our DNA as we enter our 50th year.

“Our celebrations will reintroduce the heroes and stories that have forged Williams’ legacy to a new generation of fans, who will carry us forward to reach new heights.”

Stefano Domenicali, F1 President and CEO, added: “It is incredible to celebrate 50 years of Williams in Formula 1.

“Sir Frank Williams built one of the defining teams in our sport, founded on determination, resilience and an uncompromising desire to succeed. Those values continue to inspire the team today as it writes the next chapter of its remarkable story.

“Williams is not only a vital part of our history, but of Formula 1’s identity, with achievements, memories and moments that will forever hold a special place in our sport.”