Williams to take Formula 1 car show on road-trip tour of Britain ahead of Silverstone

The Grove-based outfit said on Tuesday that fans in Edinburgh, Manchester and Cardiff will be able to see the car free of charge in city centre locations during race week, marking the first time in the team's nearly 50-year history that it has staged such a nationwide tour.

The car will be displayed on open-air plinths in Edinburgh's Castle Street on June 30, Manchester's St Ann's Square on July 2 and Cardiff's The Hayes on July 4.

Williams said the initiative was designed to give supporters access to Formula 1 outside of race weekends, with fans also able to enter competitions for signed merchandise by sharing photographs of the display cars.

The tour forms part of a wider programme of events ahead of the British Grand Prix at Silverstone on July 5.

A Williams FW48 show car will also feature at the team's fan zone in London's Piccadilly Circus, which returns for a fifth consecutive year. The free event will run from June 30 to July 5 and will include simulator challenges, reaction tests and appearances by driver Alex Albon and team principal James Vowles.

Williams will also run a special British-themed livery at Silverstone, incorporating red, white and blue elements inspired by the Union Jack. The design will appear on the cars of Albon and Carlos Sainz and will be reflected in a one-off team kit worn by staff during the event.

Team principal James Vowles said the initiative reflected the team's aim of making the sport more accessible: "Less than 1% of fans ever go to a Grand Prix. Here at Atlassian Williams F1 Team, we're committed to bringing every fan closer to the sport, giving them a chance to meet our team and learn more about what we do.

"Taking our car to four iconic British cities as part of our Silverstone celebrations is the embodiment of that. With our strong British fanbase, and our near 50-year heritage in Oxfordshire, it's brilliant to be able to celebrate our progress, our community, and the people who have helped us to thrive as a team," Vowles said.

Williams, one of Formula 1's most successful teams with nine Constructors' Championships, will race at its home event seeking to continue its resurgence under Vowles' leadership.