Exactly a year ago, the atmosphere at Williams was nothing short of tense. Their race car had been delayed and considerably overweight, troubling signs that escalated when Alex Albon’s significant crash at the Australian Grand Prix left them with no spare, allowing only one car to compete. Fast forward to 2025, and it’s a whole different ballgame.
This year, Williams is making waves right from the start. Just a day after McLaren’s debut at Silverstone, Williams took the stage at the same venue, unveiling their new car to a crowd of partners, guests, and lucky fans who had won a chance to see it all live. Borrowing a trick from Ferrari, Williams showcased the car’s inaugural lap, letting the world watch as Carlos Sainz, the fresh inductee from his previous Ferrari stint, took it for a spin, marking an engaging spectacle when the garage doors rolled open.
Such excitement had Alex Albon eagerly embracing the newfound positive energy. “This is about showing where Williams has been and where we’re headed,” Albon shared, bundled in winter gear in a chilly garage next to the main event. “Sure, it’s a bit grandiose, but it’s great. We’ve got significant new partners, and they’re not just about the money; there’s a technical synergy as well.”
Reflecting on their past struggles, Albon noted the stark contrast from last year. “Last year, we had just enough time to bring a car for testing, stumbling due to being overweight. Now, look at us.”
Team principal James Vowles is intent on making sure this transformation doesn’t go unnoticed. He knowingly points to the substantial changes the team has undergone over the past couple of years. Vowles, in fact, felt no trepidation about the FW47 rolling out for the first time during a live broadcast, especially since its assembly wrapped just before dawn.
At the same time, the partnership with Atlassian is a standout. Vowles enthusiastically emphasized its magnitude, suggesting it was among the top ten significant deals in Formula 1. “If you know the industry, you understand how big this is,” he remarked.
More than just a car reveal, it was an act of confidence both internally and to those watching. This sentiment resonated with Sainz, who felt optimistic climbing into the cockpit for the new season.
“My first impression is positive,” Sainz revealed, exuding optimism. “Williams’ courage to organize this event, showcasing their trust in their capabilities, is commendable. Everything ran seamlessly, proving their readiness for this challenge.”
The moment marked a visible leap forward, with Valentine’s Day as the launch backdrop, adding an amusing twist to the proceedings. The camaraderie between Sainz and Albon is already evident, with Sainz appreciating Albon’s openness.
“He’s been incredibly genuine, eager to collaborate, sharing insights and eager to learn from each other,” Sainz said. “We both know we need to work together, sharing knowledge, even if it means revealing personal driver secrets, to push this team forward.”
As the racing season begins, Albon hopes to capitalize on any early opportunities, particularly with rookies in rival teams settling in. However, the main objective remains—2026, ushering in a transformative phase for the cars. With a cohesive and efficient approach, Williams has clearly demonstrated progress since last year with this slick launch of the FW47.
