Williams reveals fan-chosen 'Flow State' livery for 2026 pre-season testing
Williams F1 will run a special 'Flow State' livery at 2026 pre-season testing, chosen by fans in a global vote. The design celebrates F1's speed and technology, marking a fan-focused start to the team's new era.
The Williams Formula 1 team will debut a special fan-voted livery, named 'Flow State', on its FW48 car during 2026 pre-season testing in Barcelona. The design, featuring Williams blue with swirling white accents, won nearly a third of the 54,718 total votes cast by fans from 162 countries, symbolizing the speed and science of F1.
Why it matters:
This initiative marks a significant step in fan engagement for a historic team entering a new regulatory era in 2026. By directly involving its global supporter base in a key visual decision, Williams strengthens community ties and builds excitement around its fresh start, signaling a modern, fan-centric approach under Team Principal James Vowles' leadership.
The details:
- The 'Flow State' livery was selected from six initial designs presented in a poll launched in early December.
- It will adorn the FW48, to be driven by Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon, during the crucial pre-season test sessions.
- Team Principal James Vowles framed the livery as carrying the fans "together with us" for the team's first track appearance of the new era.
- The reveal follows a 2025 season where Williams secured a solid fifth place in the constructors' championship, with Albon scoring 73 points and Sainz adding 64.
The big picture:
The livery launch is part of a broader narrative of renewal for Williams. Vowles has consistently referred to the team's current phase as "the start of our journey," using the platform of the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix to thank long-term supporters and express anticipation for the 2026 car becoming "a reality." The fan-voted livery acts as a visual bridge between the team's past identity and its ambitious future direction.
What's next:
The immediate focus shifts to the track, where the 'Flow State' FW48 will undergo its first real-world assessment in Barcelona. The testing data and performance will provide the first tangible indicators of Williams' progress ahead of the 2026 season, a year the team hopes will build upon its 2025 constructors' championship result.