Williams have revealed their 2021 machine, the FW43B, under the leadership of investment firm Dorilton Capital. 

For the first time in 40 years, the Williams team are no longer owned and overseen by Sir Frank Williams. In August 2020, the team were sold to investment firm, Dorilton Capital. 

As they enter their first full year of racing, the newly-owned team have revealed their 2021 car with a striking new livery. The car’s design aims to capture “the spirit of the team’s past, the present transformation and its drive to future ambitions.” 

“The 2021 car will race with a dramatic new visual identity sporting a livery inspired by Williams’ all-conquering cars of the 1980s and 1990s, combining blues, white and yellow accents.”

Newly appointed CEO, Jost Capito, has joined the team from Volkswagen having previously been CEO for McLaren Racing. He stated that “Williams Racing is a sporting icon, and a team that has forged a reputation of success through sheer determination and grit intertwined with innovation, passionate and skilful race-craft and an absolute desire to win.”

When asked about his new machine, George Russell stated that the “livery is exciting. [It’s] futuristic with a touch of hist in there. [I’m] anxious to see how the car performs. We know how we have improved but we don’t know how the other teams have improved.” 

Reflecting on his 2020 season and his taster of a championship-winning machine, Russell reflected that “the race in Bahrain was an amazing opportunity and has filled me with a lot of confidence. Because there was always an element of unknown in the back of my mind. What happens if I were to jump into the best car on the grid?”

Earlier this week, Williams announced that Formula 2 driver Jack Aitken would continue in his role as reserve driver for the team into 2021, with W Series champion Jamie Chadwick continuing in her role as Development Driver. This news came after the team announced that 2009 champion Jenson Button would rejoin his first F1 team as Senior Advisor. 

Our first insight into Williams’ performance will come on the 12th of March when pre-season testing kicks off.

Feature Image Credit: Formula 1