Williams celebrate 40 years at Silverstone

To celebrate their 40th anniversary in Formula 1, Williams Martini Racing held an event at Silverstone Circuit yesterday in order to commemorate their heritage and history in the sport. The event saw a number of iconic cars from the team’s history take to the circuit in front of thousands of fans who were able to claim free tickets for the event.

Cars included the Williams FW06, FW07, FW07B, FW08B, FW10, FW11, FW15C, FW18, FW19, FW34 and FW36. The event was headlined by the Williams FW14B, which took to the track for the first time since 1992. The FW14B is one of Williams’ most successful cars in their history, having secured 17 wins, 21 pole positions, and 19 fastest laps. As well as this, the 1992 car also powered Nigel Mansell to his only World Drivers Championship title.

The event was attended by a number of high-profile figures, including former Williams drivers Mark Webber, Pastor Maldonado, Damon Hill, Keke Rosberg, and reigning World Champion, Nico Rosberg. Williams’ current drivers, Felipe Massa and Lance Stroll, were also in attendance, as well as Sir Frank Williams and Sir Patrick Head, the team’s founders.

Williams made their Formula 1 debut in 1977 at the Spanish Grand Prix with Patrick Nève behind the wheel. Since then, the team have become one of the most successful constructors in the sport, having won 114 races, claimed nine Constructors’ Championships, and seven Drivers’ Championships.

Chris Soulsby