Williams goes with the 'flow' for 2026 pre-season look

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The fans have spoken! Williams has unveiled testing livery chosen by its supporters for its 2026 FW48, and it’s already turning heads before it has even turned a wheel.

While the final racing colors for the season remain under wraps, this specific design scheme will be run exclusively during pre-season testing, giving the car a spectacular temporary identity when it hits the track next month in Barcelona.

After a massive global campaign that saw nearly 55,000 votes cast from 162 different countries, the "Flow State" design emerged as the clear favorite.

This striking look – featuring bold navy blue lines set against a crisp white backdrop – is more than just a fresh coat of paint. It’s a tribute to the "flow state" drivers must enter to find that perfect lap, and a nod to the immense engineering dedication poured into these next-generation cars over the last several years.

The FW48 will make its debut in this special suit when it rolls down the pitlane at the Circuit de Catalunya on January 26th.

Coming off a stellar 2025 campaign where they secured a dominant fifth place in the standings, Williams is looking to carry that momentum into F1’s new era. And the people’s choice is the perfect start to a new season.

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.