Williams and Honda Reunite to Revive Iconic… Read more
A legendary piece of Formula 1 history is set to return to the spotlight after nearly four decades, as Williams Racing and Honda join forces to bring back one of the most iconic cars in motorsport history. The 1986 championship-winning FW11 will be restored and showcased at the 2025 Goodwood Festival of Speed, marking a highly anticipated reunion between the famous team and a car that once dominated the F1 circuit.
This revival will be more than just a nostalgic moment—it’s a true celebration of engineering brilliance, racing heritage, and a pivotal era in Formula 1. The FW11, which earned Williams the Constructors’ Championship in 1986, will once again be driven by its original pilot, British racing legend Nigel Mansell. The event will mark the first time Mansell has been behind the wheel of the FW11 since that triumphant season nearly 40 years ago.
Joining Mansell at the prestigious Goodwood event will be fellow former Williams race winners Thierry Boutsen and Riccardo Patrese. They’ll be joined by Karun Chandhok, the former F1 driver turned Sky Sports pundit and current Williams team ambassador, further adding to the spectacle of the occasion.
James Vowles, the current Team Principal of Williams Racing, expressed his excitement and pride in bringing this historic car back to life. “It’s an incredible privilege to celebrate Williams’ rich history at Goodwood, showcasing two of the team’s most iconic cars,” Vowles said. “The restored FW11 represents a historic collaboration between Atlassian Williams Racing and Honda Motor Co., Ltd—a partnership that defined an era of engineering excellence and championship success.”
In addition to the FW11, the team will also display the renowned FW14B, another significant car in Williams’ storied past. Vowles added, “Seeing these cars together at Goodwood is a powerful reminder of our rich racing legacy. This event perfectly honours the heritage and innovation that continue to inspire our team today.”
Honda Racing Corporation President Koji Watanabe echoed these sentiments, underlining the importance of the FW11 in Honda’s long and successful involvement in Formula 1. “In Honda’s F1 journey since 1964, the FW11 represents a milestone of a perfect combination of engine performance and chassis dynamics,” Watanabe noted. “Its return to the track at Goodwood is a fitting celebration of 75 years of Formula 1 and endorses the legacy of engineering excellence and competitive spirit we helped build together over many years.”
The Goodwood Festival of Speed, scheduled for July 10–13, 2025, is one of the most globally celebrated motorsport events. Held annually in West Sussex, England, the festival brings together the past, present, and future of motor racing. In recognition of Formula 1’s 75th anniversary, this year’s festival will place special focus on the sport’s rich legacy and impact.
Over the years, Goodwood has played host to some of the most iconic figures in racing, including Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen, Sebastian Vettel, and Niki Lauda. The return of the FW11 and other historic F1 machines ensures the 2025 edition will be no different, promising an unforgettable experience for fans and enthusiasts alike.
This momentous return of the FW11 not only honours Williams and Honda’s past achievements but also serves as a reminder of what can be accomplished through innovation, collaboration, and a shared passion for motorsport. As excitement builds for the Goodwood Festival of Speed, the return of Nigel Mansell and his 1986 championship-winning car is sure to be one of the most memorable highlights of the event—and a perfect tribute to Formula 1’s incredible 75-year journey.
