Williams brings back the iconic yellow: In cooperation with Mercado Libre, it sends Albon and Colapinto onto the track with a new look for the next two races
Williams Racing is adding a visual highlight to the Formula One races in Mexico and Brazil: the two FW46s, driven by Alexander Albon and Franco Colapinto, will feature an eye-catching yellow engine cover that pays tribute to the team’s glory days.
This special livery is part of the partnership with Mercado Libre, one of the leading e-commerce companies in Latin America, and is designed to celebrate the shared values of the brands – innovation, speed and precision.
Mercado Libre, an official partner of Williams since August 2024, has its origins in Argentina and is now active in 18 Latin American countries. With over 100 million users, it is considered the market leader in the region.
The partnership with Williams Racing is directly linked to the rise of Argentine driver Franco Colapinto in Formula 1. The 21-year-old has been replacing ex-Williams driver Logan Sargeant since the Monza race weekend and has impressed with strong performances so far.
The return of bright yellow to the Williams cars in Mexico and Brazil is particularly symbolic, as it will be seen on the engine cover of a Williams for the first time in 31 years.
The last time it featured on the team’s race cars was in the 1980s and early 1990s, an era in which Williams celebrated numerous successes, including three constructors’ and three drivers’ titles. During this time, the yellow was associated with iconic sponsors such as Canon and Camel.
In addition to the striking engine cover, the Mercado Libre logo will also be displayed on the racing suits of Albon and Colapinto. For Brazil, the lettering will be adapted to the Portuguese version “Mercado Livre”.
In addition, Colapinto will appear in a new Mercado Libre advertising campaign that will be broadcast during the Latin American part of the Formula One season.
James Bower, Commercial Director of Williams Racing, celebrates the joint venture: “Yellow paintwork has a special place in the history of Williams, and it’s great to see this color on our cars again with one of the leading technology companies in Latin America.”
Juan Lavista, Vice President of Marketing at Mercado Libre, also sees the partnership as highly significant. He believes the collaboration is an opportunity to combine a shared passion for speed and innovation both on the racetrack and in the digital world.
