Williams celebrates its 40th anniversary in F1 in 2017 with the FW40.

Williams will celebrate its 40th anniversary in Formula 1 next year, and the next single-seater will be named FW40 to commemorate this important milestone.

With the 2017 Formula 1 calendar already marked by discussions about new powertrain regulations, Williams is stealing the show by turning its own history into a brand argument. To mark four decades since Frank and Patrick Williams first launched the team that would become a cornerstone of the sport, the team has named its 2017 race car “FW40,” deliberately skipping the expected “FW39” designation.

This number is not just a sequential number, it is a symbol of a legacy that includes 114 Grand Prix victories, seven drivers' world championship titles, and nine constructors' world championship titles. Claire Williams, daughter of the founder and sporting director of the team, explains that this anniversary is as much about gratitude as it is about pride. “Forty years ago, Frank and Patrick created what would become one of the most iconic teams in Formula 1,” she notes. “The sport has evolved, but our passion for racing is in our blood and our DNA. We want to celebrate that passion, our successes, and the community that has supported us: the fans, partners, media, and friends we have made over the years.”

Beyond the commemorative livery, the team is preparing for another crucial moment: the announcement of the driver lineup scheduled for next Thursday. Rumors point to a duo of Valtteri Bottas and rookie Lance Stroll, a combination that would combine experience and fresh talent as Williams prepares to write the next chapter in its legendary saga.