Williams has revealed a special retro livery for the inaugural Madrid Grand Prix, sparking immediate controversy over its timing. The design is a tribute to the team’s history but has drawn criticism as the race weekend coincides with the 25th anniversary of the September 11th attacks.
The livery is inspired by the white, green, and navy blue colour scheme of the 1979 and 1981 Williams cars. During that period, the team received significant sponsorship from Saudi Arabian companies, including some linked to the Bin Laden family’s business empire.
The family’s construction company, the Saudi Binladen Group, and the Albilad hotel chain were prominent backers. These sponsorships were crucial for the team, which was facing financial difficulties at the time. The funding helped Williams achieve its first World Championship in 1980.
While Osama bin Laden was part of the family, he was not directly involved in the company and was later disowned. However, the association of the name with the 9/11 attacks has made the livery’s timing a point of contention.
Formula 1 presenter Will Buxton highlighted the awkwardness of the situation on the ‘Up To Speed’ podcast. He suggested that while the livery might be appreciated on any other weekend, its use during the 25th anniversary of 9/11 is problematic.
‘I am convinced that this colour scheme, no matter how well-intentioned and beautiful, is not appropriate right now. Any other weekend, everyone would be like, ‘Oh, how cool’. This weekend… I think there’s a focus group at Williams that failed to focus.’
Buxton predicted the livery would immediately be linked to the historical sponsorship, a prediction that proved accurate as the reveal prompted critical reactions on social media. The team now faces a discussion it could have avoided.
Williams officially stated the livery, created with partner Atlassian, celebrates the FW07C, the last Williams car to race in Madrid in 1981 at the Jarama circuit. The team is marking Formula 1’s return to the Spanish capital.
Team Principal James Vowles commented on the design before the controversy erupted. He framed it as a link between the team’s past successes and its future ambitions.
‘Our mission to get back to the front of the grid is drawn from, inspired by and informed by everything we’ve done before. The car looks fantastic, and I cannot wait to see it lapping around Madrid.’
The livery was unveiled at a Fan Zone event in Madrid’s Plaza De Callao with driver Carlos Sainz in attendance. The race will take place at the new Madring circuit, marking its debut on the F1 calendar.
