Alexander Albon and Carlos Sainz Jr. will see the FW47 four days before the special F1 launch event in London
You know a new Formula 1 season is right around the corner when the teams start teasing launch dates for their new challengers.
The latest team to announce a launch date? Williams. The F1 team announced on Thursday that they will unveil the FW47 at a special launch event on Valentine’s Day, four days ahead of the first-ever F1 launch event in London at The O2 Arena.
In a statement, Williams indicated that they will introduce the FW47 in a special one-off livery that the team will use at this season’s British Grand Prix. They will share their race livery for the 2025 season at the launch event in London four days later.
This is a critical season for Williams as they look to rebound after a disappointing 2024 campaign, that saw the team finish ninth in the Constructors’ Championship, a year after finishing seventh. However, they are sporting a new driver lineup, with Alexander Albon being joined by Carlos Sainz Jr. Team Principal James Vowles noted this “comeback plan” in the announcement.
“There is a tremendous amount to look forward to for Williams in 2025 – we have fantastic race drivers in Alex and Carlos, top engineers joining from across the grid and new facilities becoming operational at our Grove HQ,” said Vowles. “As part of our comeback plan, we have been working on our 2025 car for some time and I can’t wait to see it at Silverstone on February 14. Everyone in the team is giving everything to get this team back where it belongs as we head towards the major rule changes for 2026. It’s going to be an exciting year.”
Both Albon and Sainz are anxious to get to work behind the wheel of the FW47.
“Everyone at the factory is working hard to get our car ready for the new season. Launching on February 14 should be a great way to start an important year for us as a team, fighting as hard as we can with both cars from the outset this year and looking forward to opportunities ahead in 2026,” said Albon. “I can’t wait to see the results of the teamwork and dedication that makes this team so special.”
“It’s an important time for the team and we are all going to push to bring Williams back to the front of the grid as soon as possible. I was very impressed with the team back in Abu Dhabi,” added Sainz. “After a long year, it was great to watch the motivation and effort that everyone put in at such an important test. Thanks to that, we’ve been able to put together a solid plan and we have already started working on it to make sure we are as prepared as possible ahead of the pre-season test and first race.
“We’re not far away from the Silverstone car launch and I can’t wait to see my new ride! 2025 will be an exciting year and we are fully committed to putting together a strong season. VAMOS!”
