Williams has followed McLaren with an early launch and shakedown of its 2025 car, with the FW47 hitting the track at Silverstone.
One day after the 2024 constructors’ champions ran the MCL39 at the home of the British Grand Prix, Williams delivered a live launch event at the same venue that saw the FW47 roll out for a shakedown during a global broadcast.
Carlos Sainz was first behind the wheel of his new car following his switch from Ferrari, with the Spaniard completing initial installation laps on another cold but largely dry day in the UK. Sainz described everything as operating as expected during the first runs, although his opening laps took place on full wet tires.
FW47 in action for the first time 💙💨 pic.twitter.com/Ynj3KgovN4
— Atlassian Williams Racing (@WilliamsRacing) February 14, 2025
The approach is a significant departure from recent Williams car deliveries, with the 2024 car being completed late and the team not having a spare chassis in the early part of last season. This time around, the car has hit the track more than 10 days before the start of pre-season testing in Bahrain.
The FW47 was unveiled in a special blue and black livery solely for the shakedown on Valentine’s Day, with the 2025 race livery being launched as part of the F1 75 event in London next week,
The launch event also included more discussion about new title partner Atlassian, with team principal James Vowles describing the deal as potentially one of the biggest in Formula 1.
Alex Albon will also drive the FW47 later on Friday, with Vowels calling the new car an evolution of last year’s design, with the team focusing on improving its performance in high-speed corners.
