Williams reveal FW47 ahead of F1 75 Live event

One year after grappling with delays and setbacks during the launch of its 2024 car, Williams has taken a significant step forward with the unveiling and initial testing of its FW47 at Silverstone.

The British team, once a dominant force in Formula 1, showcased its renewed confidence by inviting media and partners to witness the car’s first laps—a stark contrast to the challenges faced during the FW46’s troubled debut.

Carlos Sainz, who joined Williams from Ferrari for the 2025 season, was quick to highlight the significance of the team’s bold approach.

“This is a good show of Williams' progress, to be bold enough to prepare a test where all of our partners are here, all the media is invited to see the first laps of the car,”

he said.

“It shows the trust that Williams has in its new tools to produce a car that is going to be here on time, is going to be working well—like it did today, without any issues.”

A smooth start for the FW47

The FW47’s debut was a far cry from the difficulties Williams encountered in 2024, when the FW46 arrived overweight and late, compounded by unfavorable weather during its shakedown.

This time, the team executed a seamless launch, with Sainz completing the car’s first laps on Silverstone’s shorter international layout.

Initially running on wet tires despite a relatively dry track, the Spaniard completed two installation laps before pitting to provide initial feedback.

“Everything went fine, which is good news.An install lap of a newly born car is always a bit tricky. But everything worked as it should, and now we're ready to get into the run plan.”

Sainz remarked.

Sainz’s early impressions

Sainz’s optimism about Williams’ progress isn’t new. His first taste of the team’s potential came during the post-season test in Abu Dhabi last year, where he drove the FW46 just days after his final race for Ferrari.

“I found a car that was honestly a bit better than I thought, or better than I expected,”

he recalled.

“Obviously, with some deficiencies compared to the cars that I've been driving, but not massively far off.”

What stood out to Sainz was the team’s energy and determination, even after a grueling triple-header.

“The energy that I saw that day—and the run plan that we managed to follow to perfection [in order to] execute a good day—was important to me,”

he said.

“It was a very important test that I think is going to help going into Bahrain.”

A statement of intent

Williams’ decision to open its doors to media and partners for the FW47’s first run was more than just a logistical choice—it was a statement of intent.

After years of rebuilding under team principal James Vowles, the team appears to be turning a corner, with improved processes and a renewed focus on performance.

Sainz’s presence, too, signals a shift. As a proven race winner with experience at top teams, his feedback and leadership could prove invaluable as Williams aims to climb the midfield.

“I can just tell you that I found the team full of motivation, full of energy,”

he said.

Looking ahead to Bahrain

With the FW47’s initial shakedown complete, attention now turns to pre-season testing in Bahrain, where the true potential of the car will be revealed.

Sainz’s early impressions suggest that Williams has made tangible progress, but the real test will come when the car faces its rivals on track.

For now, though, the team can take pride in a successful launch—a clear sign that Williams is moving in the right direction after a challenging 2024. As Sainz put it,

“It's a good showing to the outside world.”