FW48 and Silverstone: First Track Debut Insights

Atlassian Williams F1 Team’s all-new 2026 challenger, the FW48, made its track debut today at Silverstone – appearing in the fan-voted Flow State livery.

Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz both spent time behind the wheel at the Northamptonshire circuit on a promotional filming day, part of the team’s pre-season testing programme.

The Silverstone run offered fans the first on-track look at the design which was chosen from six concepts competing to become ‘Your Livery’. Fans from 162 countries cast almost 55,000 votes over seven days in December – part of Williams’ commitment to bringing fans closer than ever to Formula 1 through innovative digital experiences and live activations.

It also marked the first track outing for a host of new partners that have joined Atlassian Williams F1 Team over the winter – Barclays, Claude, BNY, Wilkinson Sword and Nuveen – who join a growing roster of global brands who are helping the team transform in pursuit of Championship success.

The Silverstone appearance comes a day after the team unveiled its 2026 race livery, presenting it to the 1,200-strong workforce at Grove who have poured tens of thousands of hours into preparing for the season ahead.

Next up for the team is a second promotional filming day in Bahrain on February 10, before the first official F1 test starts the following day.

James Vowles, Team Principal, Atlassian Williams F1 Team: “This was a milestone day for us and it is always a very proud moment to see a new car on track for the first time. The team has absolutely pulled together under the pressure of the situation and delivered a car today for a planned promotional filming day here at Silverstone. We were able to understand more about our package in preparation for Bahrain next week, and Carlos and Alex were able to provide some positive feedback to direct us, while also identifying some minor issues for us to clean up between now and then. The push isn’t over yet – this is just the beginning and there is more in front of us.”

Alex Albon, Atlassian Williams F1 Team: “That’s shakedown done! Obviously a few bits of data to look at and areas to improve, but generally a fairly smooth day. We had decent weather for Silverstone at this time of year and glad to finally be in the car and driving the FW48. Our full focus is on Bahrain now, looking at the data and getting ready for the start of the season.”

Carlos Sainz, Atlassian Williams F1 Team: “We just had our first laps in the FW48! It’s always an exciting, special day for the drivers, the mechanics and the entire team and it’s been a great effort from everyone to get the car on track today. It was a typical winter day at Silverstone, so we focused on getting in our first few laps and completing our shakedown plan. We are ready to fly to Bahrain in a few days where we’ll dive into more complete run plans, so I’m looking forward to it!”