Williams to run special engine cover in Mexico City and Sao Paulo

Williams have announced that their FW46 will feature a special Mercado Libre-themed engine cover at this weekend’s Mexico City Grand Prix and at next Sunday’s Sao Paulo Grand Prix.

Alex Albon and Franco Colapinto will race with a special livery in Mexico and Brazil, with their FW46 set to feature the team’s partner Mercado Libre’s yellow branding on the engine cover.

E-commerce and digital payments giant Mercado Libre joined Williams as an Official Partner in August after Franco Colapinto’s promotion to an F1 race seat. It was founded in Argentina and listed on the NASDAQ stock exchange, and currently has more than 100 million users across 18 Latin American countries.

The Grove-based outfit noted: “its iconic handshake logo and yellow branding will be unmissable on the FW46, marking the return of yellow to the Willliams engine cover for the first time in 31 years.”

Yellow first appeared on the FW08C in 1983 and was ever-present in memorable liveries with a variety of partners until the end of 1993 – a period which saw the British team pick up 55 of its 114 race wins, three of its nine Constructors’ World Championships and three of its seven Drivers’ World Championships. That included Brazilian Nelson Piquet’s third and final title in 1987, driving the FW11B.

In addition, yellow will also be incorporated into the drivers’ race suits for the two races, and the spelling of Mercado Libre will be amended to the Portuguese Mercado Livre for the Brazilian GP.

Commenting on the new design, Williams Racing’s commercial director James Bower, Commercial Director, Williams Racing: “Williams Racing and Mercado Libre are two brands synonymous with speed, trust and innovation, and this eye-catching engine cover is the perfect way to celebrate our partnership.

“Yellow livery designs hold a special place in Williams’ storied history and it is great to see the colour return to our cars with one of Latin America’s leading technology companies.”

Speaking of the partnership, Juan Lavista, Mercado Libre’s Marketing Vice President added: “We are honoured to bring the yellow back to Williams, starring Mercado Libre’s iconic handshake logo on the racing car and drivers’ race suits for the Latin American GPs.

“The partnership with Williams resonates with our shared passion for speed and innovation. By connecting the thrill of racing with our commitment to fast and reliable shipping, we aim to create meaningful connections with millions of fans and users around the globe.”