Williams reveal 1981-inspired special livery ahead of Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid

Here is a gorgeous piece of heritage rolling right back onto the tarmac. Williams have just pulled the covers off a stunning special edition livery, and it is an absolute beauty inspired by their 1981 championship-winning machine, the FW07C. That specific car was the very last one raced by the team the previous time Formula 1 visited the Spanish capital.

That one-off look will grace the machines of home hero Carlos Sainz and his team mate throughout the upcoming Spanish Grand Prix weekend at the . The colorway itself is a striking mix of white, green, and navy blue, paying a direct tribute to the 1981 design previously raced by Alan Jones and Carlos Reutemann at Madrid's Circuito de Jarama. Williams explained that the aesthetic choice highlights how they are utilizing the lessons and methods of the past to push their current fight back to the front.

The British outfit officially rolled out the design during a Fan Zone appearance featuring Sainz on Tuesday evening at Madrid's Plaza De Callao, setting the stage ahead of the inaugural Spanish Grand Prix on the fresh 22-turn Madring circuit, which features a blend of street and purpose-built sections.

Team Principal James Vowles emphasized the deep connection between eras. "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. He added, “I am incredibly proud to celebrate that through [title sponsor] Atlassian’s special livery, connecting the team we were at Jarama with the team we are becoming today through focused collaboration, improved technological innovation, and real creativity. The car looks fantastic, and I cannot wait to see it lapping around Madrid.”

For Carlos Sainz, this weekend brings an incredible milestone: he will be competing in his 13th Spanish Grand Prix, but it marks his very first time racing in Madrid, the city where he was born, raised, and initially kicked off his motor racing career. Both Sainz and team mate Alex Albon will be hunting hard for the squad's first points finish since Albon grabbed eighth position in Monaco, which was eight Grand Prix weekends ago.