The Williams heritage-inspired livery has been unveiled ahead of the Mexico City Grand Prix as the team pays homage to its storied past.
The new design which will feature at this weekend’s Mexico City Grand Prix and the Brazilian GP next week features a striking yellow engine cover, marking a nostalgic return to colours that were once synonymous with the team’s success in the 1980s and 1990s.
The Williams heritage-inspired livery is a collaboration with Mercado Libre, an e-commerce giant based in Argentina, which has partnered with Williams since August 2023 following the debut of Franco Colapinto at the Italian GP.
The introduction of yellow on the engine cover is particularly noteworthy as it is the first time this color has adorned a Williams car since Alain Prost’s dominant 1993 season, where he clinched the championship driving for the team.
The decision to revive yellow is not merely aesthetic; it reflects Williams’ commitment to celebrating its rich heritage while simultaneously forging new partnerships that resonate in today’s competitive landscape.
The yellow livery was prominent during Williams’ golden era, associated with legendary drivers such as Nelson Piquet and Nigel Mansell, who contributed to the team’s impressive tally of Constructors’ and Drivers’ Championships.
The Williams heritage-inspired livery is not just a nod to nostalgia but also a strategic move to connect with fans and users across Latin America, where Mercado Libre boasts over 100 million users across 18 countries.
Williams’ Commercial Director James Bower expressed excitement about the partnership with Mercado Libre, highlighting that both brands share values of speed, trust, and innovation.
“Williams Racing and Mercado Libre are two brands synonymous with speed, trust and innovation, and this eye-catching engine cover is the perfect way to celebrate our partnership,” said Bower.
“Yellow livery designs hold a special place in Williams’ storied history and it is great to see the colour return to our cars with one of Latin America’s leading technology companies.”
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Mercado Libre Marketing Vice President Juan Lavista added: “We are honoured to bring the yellow back to Williams, starring Mercado Libre’s iconic handshake logo on the racing car and drivers’ race suits for the Latin American GPs.
“The partnership with Williams resonates with our shared passion for speed and innovation. By connecting the thrill of racing with our commitment to fast and reliable shipping, we aim to create meaningful connections with millions of fans and users around the globe.”
Besides the engine cover, yellow will also feature prominently on the race suits worn by drivers Alex Albon and Franco Colapinto during the Mexico City Grand Prix. Colapinto, who is making his first F1 appearances in Latin America, will also star in a television commercial promoting this partnership.
Williams enters Mexico ranking eighth in the constructors standings after securing a 10th place with Colapinto last week in Austin while Albon struggled to finish 16th.
