Williams Team Principal James Vowles hailed the team’s milestone of 800 Formula 1 participations, which the team will celebrates in Silverstone and Hungary.
Williams was founded back in 1977 by the late Sir Frank Williams and over the course of 45 years of taking part in the F1 Championship have amassed, 114 grand prix wins, nine Constructors’ Championships, and seven Drivers’ Titles.
Initially, the team’s 800th grand prix coincided with the 2023 British Grand Prix, but the cancellation of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix due to the floods that hit the North Italian district meant the Hungarian Grand Prix will mark the team’s special milestone, as they plan to celebrate it on both F1 race weekends.
“Reaching the milestone of our 800th Grand Prix is a remarkable achievement for Williams Racing,” Williams boss James Vowles said of the oaccaion.
“We are incredibly proud of our history and the legacy built over the years. Over our 46-year history, the team has achieved incredible results.
“With nine Constructors’ championships and seven Drivers’ titles to our name we are the second most successful Formula 1 team of all time, only behind Ferrari. We invite all our fans to join us in this celebration as we pay tribute to our iconic past and look towards a bright future,” he added.
Williams Racing Team Statement
Williams Racing, one of the most iconic and successful teams in Formula 1 history, is thrilled to announce its upcoming celebrations of its 800th Grand Prix at British and Hungarian Grands Prix this year. The team is pulling out all the stops to mark this momentous occasion with a series of exciting events and activities that will engage fans and honour the team’s rich heritage.
The British Grand Prix was set to be the Grove-based team’s eighth centennial but, with the cancellation of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix in Imola last month, that landmark shifts to the following race in Budapest. Williams Racing will therefore hold celebrations over both weekends, to ensure its home fans in the United Kingdom can be part of the commemoration.
Highlighting the celebrations, the team’s current challenger, the FW45, will showcase a bespoke livery exclusively designed for its home race at Silverstone, and will sport a special emblem in Budapest. The striking Silverstone design will pay homage to the team’s British heritage and to its founder, the late Sir Frank Williams.
Furthermore, Williams Racing is set to bring a true legend of the past, the 1992 championship winning FW14B, to Silverstone. F1 World Champion and Williams Racing Brand Ambassador Jenson Button is set to take the wheel to complete several demonstrations laps in the iconic car on Sunday.
In addition to the on-track excitement, Williams Racing is delighted to announce its popular fanzone will be open in the heart of Piccadilly in London. The London Fanzone, presented by Kraken, will be open Monday to Sunday at 48 Regent Street during the British Grand Prix week and promises an immersive experience for all motorsport enthusiasts. Among the numerous attractions, fans will have the opportunity to meet Williams Racing personalities in person – including Alex Albon, Logan Sargeant, Jenson Button and James Vowles – view stunning heritage cars on display, which includes Alain Prost’s 1993 Championship winning car, and experience the thrill of driving in state-of-the-art simulators.
The fanzone in London will also host a dedicated fan store where supporters can purchase exclusive team merchandise. Moreover, the event will feature a STEM education area, aimed at inspiring the next generation of engineers and innovators, fostering an appreciation for the scientific and technological aspects of Formula 1.
The 800th Grand Prix celebrations at Silverstone and Budapest promise to be an unforgettable experience for Williams Racing and its fans alike.