F1 2026, Williams unveils the FW48: iconic livery and technical revolution for Sainz and Albon

With an eye on the future and bolstered by the progress made in the last season, Atlassian Williams F1 Team has officially presented the FW48, the single-seater with which it will tackle the 2026 Formula 1 World Championship. A car that represents not just a new technical project, but also a visual manifesto of the team’s identity and ambitions at the dawn of the new regulatory era.

Williams FW48: design between historical heritage and 2026 innovation

Atlassian Williams F1 Team revealed the FW48 livery in front of over 1,200 employees at the historic headquarters in Grove, in the presence of drivers Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz and Team Principal James Vowles. A symbolic moment, dedicated to those who invested tens of thousands of hours of work in preparing for the 2026 season.

The new livery was designed to embody the team’s determination to turn the page, coinciding with Formula 1’s debut under completely renewed regulations. The name Atlassian Williams F1 Team underscores a clear mission: racing to win at the highest levels of motorsport.

The FW48 is dominated by a vibrant glossy blue, immediately traceable to the Williams DNA and closely linked to the title partnership with Atlassian. In contrast, a fluid black section runs through the side of the car to the rear, framed by an iconic red and white line, a clear reference to world-champion Williams cars like Nigel Mansell’s FW14B and Damon Hill’s FW18, which celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2026.

The most evident evolution of the design is the introduction of white on the sidepods, front wing, and rear wing, a choice that accentuates the visual dynamism of the car and strengthens the visibility of partners along the entire vehicle.

Sponsors and partnerships: Barclays and the new brands on the livery

The presentation of the new look came just hours after the announcement of a new global partnership with Barclays, a further sign of confidence in the Williams brand’s relaunch project. In recent weeks, Anthropic, BNY, Wilkinson Sword, and Nuveen have also joined the team, expanding an ecosystem of international brands committed to the path toward success.

The FW48 was designed around the new 2026 technical specifications, which feature shorter and narrower cars, with deeply revised wings and aerodynamic surfaces to encourage closer and more spectacular racing. At Grove, the new regulation was interpreted as a concrete opportunity to accelerate Williams’ return to the front of the grid.

All this follows an extremely positive 2025 season: fifth place in the Constructors’ Championship with 137 points, podiums in Baku and Qatar, and the first Sprint podium in the team’s history in Austin, the best overall result in the last nine years.

Vowles, Sainz and Albon: “Aiming for the top for 2026”

James Vowles, Team Principal of Atlassian Williams F1 Team, commented: “2026 represents the next step in our journey back to the top. We are entering a new era for Formula 1 with a great driver line-up, extraordinary partners, and a constantly growing fanbase. We want to build on the successes of last season, while being aware of the challenges that await us.”

Words of enthusiasm also from the drivers. Alex Albon emphasized: “It’s always special to see a new livery for the first time and the FW48 is simply incredible. It’s bold, modern, and immediately recognizable as Atlassian Williams F1 Team. I can’t wait to take it to the track in 2026.”

Carlos Sainz concluded: “The FW48 livery is a true statement of intent. It celebrates Williams’ heritage but embraces a fresh and dynamic look for the new era. I am excited to race in these colors and to share this journey with fans around the world: their support really makes a difference.”

Williams FW48 Photo Gallery: details of the new car