If Formula 1 lives at the intersection of legacy and innovation, then Williams planted its flag right in the heart of London. Ahead of the Silverstone Grand Prix, the team took over Piccadilly Circus with a fan event that blended nostalgia, tech, and serious fandom. From heritage cars like the FW07B to the modern muscle of the FW47, we spent the day getting an insider’s view with Williams - who broke down the engineering, the evolution, and yes, the prospect of Williams' next podium.

Watch the full interview on YouTube to catch every detail!

A Crash Course in Williams Heritage

The legacy begins with Frank Williams - hence the “FW” prefix on every car. We started with the iconic FW07B, a championship-winning beauty from the 1980s driven by Alan Jones. Not only did it clinch Constructors’ and Drivers’ titles, but it also introduced us to a little concept called ground effects - essentially aerodynamic wizardry that sucks the car to the track for maximum grip and agility. Think: no power steering, full exposure in the cockpit, and a workout that would humble even the most gym-hardened F1 driver.

And yes, green was once part of the Williams livery. Fashion has eras, so does Formula 1.

Enter: Adrian Newey, a Literal Airflow Whisperer

Next up was the FW17, the 1995 machine designed by none other than Adrian Newey. For those unfamiliar, Newey doesn’t just design race cars - he sees air. His pencil-to-paper process (no CAD here!) birthed some of Williams’ most successful cars and helped redefine aerodynamic standards. The car also boasted a naturally aspirated engine - a term that basically means “this car breathes like we do,” no turbo needed. Translation: it sounded divine.

Present Day: From Underdog to Midfield Marvel

Fast forward to today’s FW47, and one thing is immediately clear: this car is massive. But it’s not just bigger - it’s bolder, sleeker, and peppered with sponsor logos that speak to the team’s growing momentum. The standout? The Duracell battery illusion integrated into the airbox. Genius. Pure, sponsor-aligned, viral-level genius.

Behind the scenes, over a thousand people at Grove are working to make Williams a consistent contender again. This year’s car isn’t just fast at specific circuits - it’s versatile. That’s a huge step up. As for the drivers, Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz are both integral to the team’s next chapter.