Williams Racing has marked a significant milestone by restoring the iconic FW18 Formula 1 car, celebrating 30 years since its remarkable success in the 1996 season. Under the guidance of team founder Frank Williams, the FW18 secured 12 pole positions and 12 victories out of 16 Grands Prix, culminating in both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championships.
Restoration of the FW18
The restoration of Chassis 4, one of the few remaining FW18s, was undertaken by Williams Heritage, a dedicated department focused on preserving the team’s legacy. The car was brought back to life just in time for former driver Damon Hill to take it for a spin at the Goodwood Festival of Speed last month. Hill, who played a pivotal role in the car’s success, expressed his emotional connection to the vehicle, stating, “It’s very personal to me, that car. Although I don’t own one, I definitely regard it as my car.”
A Labour of Love
Director of Heritage, Jonathan Kennard, described the restoration process as a “labour of love,” emphasizing the importance of the FW18 to the team’s history. The restoration took approximately five months, during which the car was stripped down to its bare chassis, repainted, and rebuilt with the help of original team members from 1996. “We wanted to make sure it was absolutely perfect,” Kennard noted.
Hill’s return to the FW18 was met with nostalgia and excitement. He recalled the thrill of driving the car, saying, “Going up the hill, when you open it up, you realise it was a pretty frisky little thing! It was just beautifully proportioned, the weight of it and the power of it.”
Looking Ahead
As Williams Heritage continues to celebrate the team’s storied past, Kennard highlighted the importance of maintaining Frank Williams’ legacy while modernizing the department. With the team’s 50th anniversary approaching in 2027, there are plans to ensure that as many historic cars as possible are operational. “We need to do a lot between now and then, but it’s definitely worth celebrating,” Kennard concluded.
For more details on this restoration and the history of the FW18, visit Formula 1.
Readers can also explore current and upcoming editions through the FAME Delivered magazine section.
