Williams F1 is set to make a nostalgic yet forward-looking statement at the upcoming Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid. The team will debut a special edition livery inspired by their iconic 1981 championship-winning FW07C, the same car that competed in Madrid’s last Formula 1 race at Circuito de Jarama. This move underscores Williams’ commitment to leveraging their rich history as they strive to reclaim their position at the forefront of the sport.
The livery, featuring a striking white, green, and navy blue color scheme, will adorn the cars of Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon. Sainz, a hometown hero born and raised in Madrid, will be competing in his first Spanish Grand Prix in the city where his racing career began. The design pays homage to the FW07C driven by Alan Jones and Carlos Reutemann in 1981, symbolizing the team’s enduring spirit of innovationprecision and teamwork.
The Significance of the Retro Livery
The special livery was unveiled during a Fan Zone appearance in Madrid’s Plaza De Callao, with Sainz present to showcase the new-look FW48. Team Principal James Vowles emphasized the importance of connecting the team’s past achievements with their current ambitions. “Our mission to get back to the front of the grid is drawn from, inspired by, and informed by everything we’ve done before,” Vowles stated. “The car looks fantastic, and I cannot wait to see it lapping around Madrid.”
The livery design was developed in collaboration with Williams’ title and technology partner, Atlassian. This partnership highlights how the team is integrating historical knowledge with modern technology to drive progress. Atlassian’s Teamwork Graph, which connects work, people, and knowledge across various platforms, helps Williams transform past insights into actionable strategies for future success.
Williams’ Journey Back to the Front
Williams’ return to Madrid marks a significant milestone in their rebuilding project. The team finished fifth in the 2025 Constructors’ Championship but has since faced challenges, including a points drought stretching back eight Grand Prix weekends. Currently ninth in the standings with 11 points, Williams is determined to turn the tide and reclaim their competitive edge.
The Madrid Grand Prix also introduces the new Madring circuit, a blend of public roads and purpose-built sections, adding a fresh challenge for the drivers. Sainz, with his deep connection to the city, will be eager to perform well on this new track. The event also carries historical weight, as it marks the first time F1 has returned to Madrid since Jones and Reutemann’s 1981 race at Jarama.
The Role of Atlassian in Williams’ Success
Atlassian, as Williams’ Official Title and Technology Partner, plays a crucial role in the team’s operations. Mike Cannon-Brookes, Co-Founder and CEO of Atlassian, highlighted the importance of integrating historical knowledge into current work processes. “The best teams don’t put their history in a trophy case. They wire it into the work,” Cannon-Brookes said. “That’s the whole idea behind this livery, and it’s how we think about building software: the knowledge a team builds over years should actually make tomorrow’s decisions faster, not just look good on a wall.”
This collaboration between Williams and Atlassian exemplifies how modern technology can enhance traditional teamwork. By leveraging data and insights from previous seasons, Williams aims to make more informed decisions and improve their
As the Madrid Grand Prix approaches, all eyes will be on Williams and their retro-inspired FW48. The team’s blend of historical homage and modern innovation sets the stage for an exciting race, as they seek to make their mark on the new Madring circuit and continue their journey back to the front of the grid.
