Always moving forward, but never forgetting its roots — that’s the philosophy guiding this new chapter for Williams. Beginning with the 2026 Formula 1 season, the legendary “Forward W” will make its comeback as the team adopts its new official name: Atlassian Williams F1 Team.
This decision is no coincidence. It’s part of the transformation that began when Dorilton Capital took control of the team, investing significantly to restore Williams to the top of Formula 1. Over the past few years, the team has brought in new engineers and appointed James Vowles — fresh from his successful stint at Mercedes — as Team Principal. His leadership and vision have already convinced Carlos Sainz to embark on a new adventure with the British squad.
All these moves point toward a future built on new resources, expertise, and above all, strong ambition. Yet alongside innovation, Williams has made it clear that it intends to preserve the identity that made it great — honoring its past and the legacy of Sir Frank Williams.
The return of the iconic “Forward W”
The redesigned logo set to appear on the 2026 car draws direct inspiration from the team’s origins. Founded by Sir Frank Williams, the team made its Formula 1 debut in 1977 under the name Williams Grand Prix Engineering. The famous “Forward W” is far more than a design element — it represents the team’s identity and recalls the emblem that accompanied Williams through its golden years, when it dominated Formula 1 and won multiple Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships.
At the same time, the Grove-based squad will also update its official name: from Atlassian Williams Racing to Atlassian Williams F1 Team. This change marks a return to a title more closely tied to Formula 1, after the 2014 rebrand that introduced the broader “Williams Racing”. The move follows a growing trend among F1 teams that are emphasizing their direct connection to the sport as its global popularity continues to rise.
A new chapter that connects past and future
Team Principal James Vowles explained that the introduction of a modern yet retro-inspired logo and a new name aims to connect the team’s new era with its long-standing tradition and the legacy of Sir Frank Williams. “I’m proud that from next year we will be known as Atlassian Williams F1 Team, and that our car will feature a logo inspired by our founder Sir Frank Williams — one deeply tied to our decades of success,” said James Vowles.
He added: “As a team, we are inspired by our past but excited about our future, and we are fully committed to writing a new winning chapter in the story of Williams. This new identity reflects who we are, where we are heading, and reintroduces our championship heritage to fans who may not have followed Formula 1 when Williams was at the top.”
Marketing Director Marcus Prosser echoed this sentiment, stressing that the new look aims to connect both long-time fans and new generations of F1 enthusiasts. “We hope our most loyal supporters will appreciate it, but we also want this change to engage a new audience and connect them with our incredible legacy,” he explained.
The revival of the “Forward W” and the adoption of a name more directly tied to Formula 1 are not just cosmetic choices. They are tangible signals of a team ready to reaffirm its identity after years of struggle. Williams, one of the most successful teams in the history of Formula 1, is determined to turn this rebranding into a springboard toward the future — while keeping alive the legacy that made it legendary.
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