What was initially planned to last for just two Grands Prix has now been extended through the end of the 2024 season. Williams Racing has confirmed that its F1 car will continue to showcase yellow alongside its usual blue livery.
Originally introduced for the Mexican and Brazilian Grands Prix, this color change celebrated a temporary partnership with Mercado Libre, a Latin American e-commerce giant. So, why will the Williams F1 car still feature yellow for the Las Vegas GP?
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Celebrating a local partnership
At the last two Grands Prix, Williams Racing partnered with Mercado Libre, adorning its FW46 with a vibrant yellow to complement its traditional blue. This partnership was linked to Franco Colapinto, the young Argentine driver brought in mid-season to replace Logan Sargeant. While initially planned as a two-weekend collaboration, the striking livery has proven popular. However, Mercado Libre won’t be the reason behind the continued use of yellow. Instead, Williams is taking a fresh approach for the Las Vegas GP, this time showcasing another key sponsor.
Keeper Security takes over
As Formula 1 heads to the iconic Las Vegas Strip, Keeper Security—a leading provider of zero-trust, zero-knowledge cybersecurity software—will take over the engine cover branding of the FW46. This collaboration builds on a pre-existing relationship but now incorporates the vibrant yellow featured in Keeper’s branding. James Bower, Williams Racing’s Commercial Director, said: “This striking Las Vegas engine cover takeover will showcase our joint values of innovation and speed, which are vital to both cybersecurity and on-track performance.” Personally, I’m a big fan of how Williams integrates its sponsors into its livery design. The yellow adds a fresh touch and it blends perfectly with the blue, and when combined with the Duracell-branded airbox, it’s a visual masterpiece. It might be one of the most beautiful liveries on the grid this year!
A nod to Williams’ storied history
The yellow-and-blue livery debuted in Mexico and São Paulo to great acclaim. Beyond its commercial appeal, this choice of colors feels like a tribute to Williams’ golden era. Back in 1992, the FW14B, with its iconic yellow and blue scheme, dominated the championship with Nigel Mansell at the wheel. Even in Williams’ esports campaigns, their virtual cars have recently sported these colors—a potential hint at a broader rebranding effort. Williams Racing has listened to its fans, and they seem to be working on a project that goes far beyond a simple commercial deal. Could this color combination become a permanent fixture in 2025? Only time will tell. For now, don’t miss the opportunity to see the new livery in action at the Las Vegas Grand Prix on Saturday, November 23!
Why has Williams choose yellow for its livery for the next GPs
This article explores Williams Racing’s collaboration with Keeper Security and the team’s bold decision to feature yellow in its iconic livery, blending innovation with a nod to its rich history.
Source: Williams Racing newsroom