Williams puts ‘British twist’ on FW45 for Silverstone milestone

©Williams

Williams has unveiled the special livery that will adorn its FW45 car at Silverstone next weekend and which will celebrate the team’s 800th Grand Prix.

Technically, Budapest later this month will mark the Grove-based outfit’s 800th race in Formula 1

The team’s milestone was pushed back from Silverstone to the Hungaroring following the cancellation of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at Imola back in May.

But Williams was determined to honour its British fan base at its home race next weekend, ensuring the team’s supporters don’t miss out on the commemorative moment.

©Williams

“We are excited to unveil an adapted livery for the British Grand Prix, designed with a British twist, while also acknowledging our past, as part of the celebrations to mark our 800th Grand Prix,” Williams said on Wednesday.

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“The British Grand Prix was set to be the team’s eighth centennial but, with the cancellation of Imola in May, that landmark shifted to the following race in Budapest.

“As a result, we’ll be celebrating over both weekends, to ensure our home fans in the UK can be part of the commemoration.

“The one-off Silverstone design, running on both FW45s of Alex Albon and Logan Sargeant this weekend, pays homage to the team’s British heritage and to our beloved founder, the late Sir Frank Williams.”

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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.