Williams unveils FW47 at Silverstone, Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon already on track

Williams' new single-seater took to the track for the first time at Silverstone in the hands of Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon.

Published 14/02/2025 à 11:11

Comment on this article! ²

@Williams

History will remember that it was on rain tires that Carlos Sainz took the wheel of the FW47 for the first time. At Silverstone, the Spaniard was the first to take to the track for two initial laps to discover his new machine. According to James Vowles, the FW47 is a " evolution » of the FW46, ninth in the championship in 2024 in the hands of Alex Albon, Logan sargeant and Franco Colapinto. The director of the British team assures that the new production of the factory of Whole grained to ' more ingredients » than its predecessor to fight at the forefront, without however giving hope of a return to the top of Williams in the months to come.

While the nine-time Constructors' World Champion team has not won the title since 1997, James Vowles has been pleased with the direction his squad has taken, and is proud of their progress and investment over the winter. The former head of strategy at Mercedes explained that Williams focused on " lots of little details " in order to improve his car, especially in low-downforce corners. From there to imagine a podium in 2025 for Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon? "You never say never, but on a normal weekend it's unlikely, but we have two very strong drivers who can do it." explains James Vowles.

FW47 in action for the first time 💙💨 pic.twitter.com/Ynj3KgovN4

— Atlassian Williams Racing (@WilliamsRacing) February 14, 2025

Williams broadcasts first run live

For his part, Carlos Sainz was smiling for his debut with his fifth different team, the fourth world champion after Renault, McLaren et Ferrari. "I can't tell you yet how fast it is after running with rain tires on a dry track", the Spaniard joked at the microphone of Jenson Button, ambassador of the team and who came to collect his impressions after this first run.

"Everything went well, which is good news. The first laps of a new car are sometimes tricky, but everything worked as expected." After the presentation of the car, the two drivers will return to the track on slick tires and try to " push it step by step " explains Carlos Sainz. As for its visual identity, the FW47 has been adorned with a temporary livery, since the official colours of the new single-seater will be unveiled in London next Tuesday at the same time as those of all the other teams.