F1 Team Announce Famous RETURN After 39 Years.
In a thrilling announcement for motorsport fans around the world, one of Formula 1’s most legendary teams, Williams Racing, has confirmed the return of one of its most iconic machines — the 1986 constructors’ championship-winning FW11 — ahead of this summer’s Goodwood Festival of Speed.
Williams Reunites with Honda to Restore the Legendary FW11
In collaboration with Honda, Williams is restoring the FW11, the car that powered the team to one of its most dominant seasons in Formula 1 history. Originally driven by British legend Nigel Mansell, the FW11 was a marvel of 1980s engineering — boasting a turbocharged Honda RA166E V6 engine and cutting-edge aerodynamics that made it a formidable force on the track.
Now, 39 years later, Mansell will once again climb into the cockpit of the very car that cemented his status as a global motorsport icon. He will drive the restored FW11 at the Goodwood Festival of Speed on July 12, marking his first outing in the car since that historic 1986 campaign.
Mansell won’t be the only familiar face on hand. He will be joined by fellow former Williams F1 drivers Thierry Boutsen and Riccardo Patrese, who both contributed to the team’s legacy of success during the late 1980s and early 1990s. Williams ambassador and Sky Sports F1 pundit Karun Chandhok will also be part of the celebration, further enhancing the historic lineup set to thrill fans.
Celebrating a Legacy of Innovation and Success
Team Principal James Vowles spoke proudly of the occasion, describing the return of the FW11 as a moment of deep significance for the team and its fans.
“It’s an incredible privilege to celebrate Williams’ rich history at Goodwood, showcasing two of the team’s most iconic cars.
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.
Alongside the legendary FW14B, 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.”
The FW14B, widely regarded as one of the most technologically advanced cars of its time, famously carried Mansell to his 1992 World Championship title and will also be on display at the event, creating a once-in-a-lifetime reunion of two of the most dominant machines in F1 history.
Honda Reflects on a Milestone in Motorsport
From the engine side, Honda Racing Corporation President Koji Watanabe reflected on the pivotal role the FW11 played in Honda’s rich motorsport history.
“In Honda’s F1 journey since 1964, the FW11 represents a milestone of a perfect combination of engine performance and chassis dynamics.
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 Williams-Honda partnership was one of the most successful of the turbo era, combining Japanese precision and innovation with British racing passion — a blend that yielded 17 wins across two seasons and a place in the pantheon of F1’s greatest collaborations.
Goodwood Festival of Speed 2025: A Celebration of F1 at 75
The Goodwood Festival of Speed, taking place from July 10–13, will serve as a global stage for this historic reunion. In 2025, the event takes on even greater importance as it pays tribute to Formula 1’s 75th anniversary, celebrating the sport’s evolution from its earliest days to today’s high-tech spectacle.
Known for its blend of nostalgia, innovation, and fan access, Goodwood has welcomed many of the sport’s greatest names over the years, including Lewis Hamilton, Sebastian Vettel, Max Verstappen, and the late Niki Lauda. The 2025 edition promises to be one of the most memorable yet, with legendary cars, star drivers, and historic reenactments drawing tens of thousands of motorsport fans from around the globe.
For fans of Williams, Honda, and classic Formula 1, the return of the FW11 isn’t just a walk down memory lane — it’s a powerful reminder of an era defined by daring, speed, and technical brilliance.
Get Ready for a Festival of Legends
With anticipation building, all eyes now turn to Goodwood this July, where the past and present of Formula 1 will converge in an unforgettable celebration. For Nigel Mansell and Williams Racing, the return of the FW11 is more than a restoration project — it’s the rekindling of a glorious chapter in motorsport history.
