Williams at the Spanish GP in Madrid: Sainz/Albon in 2026, just like Jones/Reutemann in 1981

Williams celebrated the return of the premier class to Madrid in its own unique way: this coming weekend, (Madrid-born) Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon will take to the track in a one-off race car whose livery pays homage to the cars driven by Alan Jones and Carlos Reutemann in 1981.

Die Lackierung erinnert an das Design von 1981

Foto: Williams

Williams-Star Alan Jones 1981

Foto: Grand Prix Photo

With the striking white, green and navy blue of the design – with which Williams won the Constructors’ Championship in 1981 – Williams is bridging the gap between the 1980s and the present day. Williams Team Principal James Vowles: “I am proud to celebrate our return to Madrid with this special livery.”

Die Lackierung wird nur bei der Madring-Premiere verwendet

Foto: Williams

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Madrid-born Carlos Sainz (31) will be competing in his home race with a special helmet design: “From my first kart race in Madrid in 2005 to the first Grand Prix at the Madring in 2026 – I’ve based the design on my very first one, with a modern twist. When I drove my first karting race, the livery on my helmet was inspired by my father. I can’t wait to drive with it on the Madring.”

Mit diesem Helm fährt Carlos Sainz beim Heimrennen

Foto: Instagram/CarlosSainz

However, Williams fans shouldn’t expect a result as good as that of the 1981 Spanish Grand Prix: back then, the Australian Alan Jones secured second place on the grid (only Gilles Villeneuve in his Ferrari was faster), whilst the Argentine Carlos Reutemann took P3. In the race, Reutemann finished fourth and Jones seventh.