Williams unveils striking new 2022 livery for FW44

©Williams

Williams Racing will line up on the grid in Bahrain next month with a new-spec car – the FW44 - but also with an enticing new blue-based livery.

The British outfit revealed its contender's new robe on a modified 2022 concept car.

The design features a blend of blue diamond shapes and lighter blue and red highlights which embody "the exciting new era of the Williams brand, whilst still retaining the classic team spirit".

©Williams

"Over its history as an iconic Formula One team, Williams Racing has shown great strength and sophistication," commented Williams chief executive Jost Capito.

"The new visual identity of the 2022 car perfectly encapsulates these characteristics that the staff, drivers and fans have demonstrated time and time again.

"As we move into the new era of our sport, the FW44 highlights the transition to the future, as well as acknowledging the timeless qualities that make us who we are.

"Last season we were thrilled and proud to make such strong advancements as a team, with a number of well-earned points-scoring results in addition to a podium," added the German.

"Looking forward, we want to build on this success, and the FW44 perfectly embodies these ambitions to return to the front of the grid. I look forward to witnessing this progression with Nicholas and Alex at the helm."

Launch Gallery: Williams FW44

During the team's online launch, Capito commented on his outfit's new livery and revealed that the addition of red was born out of a will to promote the team's British heritage.

Williams will entrust its Mercedes-powered FW44 to Nicholas Latifi who embarks on his third season with the team and F1 returnee, former Red Bull driver Alex Albon.

"The FW44 livery is clean and simple," said Albon. "I like that we’ve gone for more blue with the dynamic diamond finish and a little bit of red; it looks really good and I’m looking forward to seeing it out on track."

"I’m a fan of the new livery," added Latifi. "Keeping the blue was important as it’s synonymous with Williams Racing, but it’s a pattern we’ve not seen before and the fluorescent red will pop on track which I really like.

"It’s a fresh new look to start off the new era of F1."

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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.