Williams to celebrate 800th GP with ‘striking’ livery at Silverstone

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Williams Racing is gearing up for its milestone 800th Grand Prix which the British outfit will celebrate at Silverstone and in Budapest.

Initially, this year’s British Grand Prix coincided with the team’s landmark anniversary, but the cancellation of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix earlier this season has pushed back its 800th event to Hungary.

However, Williams will honour its British fan base at its home race at Silverstone, ensuring the team’s supporters don’t miss out on the commemorative moment.

The Grove-based outfit will roll out a striking Silverstone livery on its FW45 that will pay homage to its British heritage and to the outfit’s founder, the late Sir Frank Williams.

In Budapest, the team’s contender will sport a special 800th GP emblem.

"Reaching the milestone of our 800th Grand Prix is a remarkable achievement for Williams Racing,” commented team boss James Vowles.

“We are incredibly proud of our history and the legacy built over the years. Over our 46-year history, the team has achieved incredible results.

“With nine Constructors’ championships and seven Drivers’ titles to our name we are the second most successful Formula 1 team of all time, only behind Ferrari.

“We invite all our fans to join us in this celebration as we pay tribute to our iconic past and look towards a bright future.”

At Silverstone, among other festivities, Williams brand ambassador Jenson Button will entertain the fans on Sunday with a series demo laps onboard the team’s 1992 championship winning Williams FW14B - the same car showcased by Sebastian Vettel last year at Silverstone.

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Furthermore, Williams Racing is set to bring a true legend of the past, the 1992 championship winning FW14B, to Silverstone. F1 World Champion and Williams Racing Brand Ambassador Jenson Button is set to take the wheel to complete several demonstrations laps in the iconic car on Sunday.

Williams’ milestone celebration will also include a presence in the heart of Piccadilly in London, with the installation of a dedicated Fanzone that will be open from Monday to Sunday at 48 Regent Street ahead of the British Grand Prix weekend.

On site, fans will have the opportunity to meet various Williams personalities in person – including Alex Albon, Logan Sargeant, Jenson Button and James Vowles – and view a collection of stunning heritage cars that will be on display.

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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.