In a bold statement of intent, Williams Racing became the second Formula 1 team to hit the track early in 2025, rolling out its FW47 at Silverstone on Valentine’s Day. The live-streamed launch event, featuring new signing Carlos Sainz behind the wheel, marked a significant departure from the team’s recent struggles with late car development.
The shakedown session, held in cold but mostly dry conditions, saw Sainz complete the initial installation laps on full wet tires before giving his first impressions of the FW47.
“Everything worked as expected,” Sainz reported after the first run. “It’s always a bit nerve-wracking taking a brand-new car out for the first time, but it felt good, and now we can start pushing little by little.”
This early launch represents a huge step forward for Williams, which struggled with car delays in 2024—a year in which it didn’t even have a spare chassis early in the season. Now, more than 10 days before pre-season testing in Bahrain, Williams is already gathering vital track data.
A New Era for Williams
The FW47 debuted in a special blue-and-black livery, designed exclusively for the shakedown session, with the 2025 race livery set to be revealed at the F1 75 event in London next week.
Team Principal James Vowles emphasized the evolution of the FW47 from its predecessor, focusing on addressing Williams’ weaknesses in high-speed corners. He also praised the impact of new title sponsor Atlassian, calling it “potentially one of the biggest deals in Formula 1.”
“We’re on a journey to bring Williams back to the front,” Vowles said. “This car is another step in that direction. We’ve made clear progress from last year, and we’re here to compete.”
Sainz’s New Chapter, Albon Ready to Follow
Carlos Sainz’s first outing with Williams marks the beginning of a new chapter following his exit from Ferrari. The Spaniard has embraced the challenge of helping Williams rebuild into a competitive force, despite moving from a top-tier team to a midfield contender.
Later in the day, Alex Albon is set to take the wheel of the FW47, providing his own insights into the new car as the team prepares for the Bahrain test.
Looking Ahead
While McLaren was the first to launch its car on-track earlier this week, Williams’ early rollout signifies a team on the rise. With a fresh driver pairing, a refined car concept, and major sponsorship backing, Williams is taking 2025 seriously.
Can this early momentum translate into real progress on the grid? Pre-season testing in Bahrain will be the first true test—but for now, Williams is sending a message: the rebuild is in full swing.