Williams Unveils Exciting Honda F1 Reunion Event

Williams is set to revisit a celebrated chapter in Formula 1 history with Honda at the upcoming Goodwood Festival of Speed. The event, running from July 10 to July 13, will feature the iconic Williams FW11, the same car driven by Nigel Mansell in the 1986 F1 season.

Mansell famously came close to winning the championship that year, only missing out after a tyre failure during the final race allowed Alain Prost to take the title. For the first time since 1986, Mansell will be back behind the wheel of the restored FW11, highlighting the enduring partnership between Williams and Honda.

This event marks the first official collaboration between Williams and Honda since their successful run in the 1980s. That period cemented their place in motorsport history.

Team principal James Vowles called the occasion “an incredible privilege,” emphasizing the FW11’s role as a symbol of teamwork and innovation. Vowles also noted that the pairing helped define an era of engineering success for both Williams and the Japanese manufacturer.

Alongside the FW11, Williams will also showcase the legendary FW14B, offering fans a rare glimpse at two of the team’s most important cars.

Nigel Mansell won five Grands Prix in the FW11 during the 1986 season. The partnership with Honda brought the team nine victories that year, split between Mansell and teammate Nelson Piquet.

The restored FW11 represents a key chapter in F1, with its advanced technology and competitive edge. The chance to see Mansell, now a motorsport legend, back in the cockpit is set to be a highlight of the Goodwood event.

The reunion isn’t limited to Mansell alone. Former Williams drivers Thierry Boutsen and Riccardo Patrese, both of whom have achieved Grand Prix wins for the team, will also take a turn in the historic car.

Joining them will be ex-F1 driver and current commentator Karun Chandhok, ensuring fans at Goodwood will witness multiple generations of racing expertise in action. This shared experience is designed to celebrate Williams’ achievements and the ongoing impact of its collaborations.

Honda’s return alongside Williams recalls a relationship that extended beyond the 1986 season. Together, the teams scored two Constructors’ Championships and one Drivers’ title by the end of the decade.

The Goodwood Festival of Speed, known for bringing together iconic cars and drivers from different eras, provides the perfect backdrop for such a significant reunion between two racing giants.

The Festival will also feature cars and drivers from across the world of motorsport, but the Williams-Honda showcase is expected to draw considerable attention. For many, the sight of the FW11 on the hillclimb and the return of legendary drivers signals a strong connection between past success and current heritage.

Both teams hope this display will inspire the next generation of fans and engineers.

The Williams and Honda reunion at Goodwood is more than a tribute to technical achievement. It stands as a testament to the team’s place in Formula 1 lore and delivers a rare moment for fans to witness motorsport history in motion before their eyes.

The event runs from July 10 to July 13, promising memorable moments for all those attending.

John Martinez

John Martinez delivers real-time NASCAR Cup Series and Truck Series news, from live race updates to pit-lane strategy analysis. A graduate of the University of Northwestern Ohio’s Motorsports Technology program, he breaks down rule changes, driver tactics, and championship points with crystal-clear reporting.