Imagine witnessing a piece of F1 history come alive on a summer day. The roar of engines, the flash of iconic cars, and legends of the sport reunite to celebrate decades of racing excellence. This year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed promises just that, as Williams Racing brings back two legendary machines that defined an era of racing brilliance.
The Return of the Williams FW11
The highlight of this year's event is the stunning restoration of the Williams FW11, one of the most famous cars in Formula 1 history. Built in 1986, this car was driven by Nigel Mansell and helped Williams secure the Constructors' Championship. After months of dedicated work, the FW11 has been lovingly restored to its original racing condition, thanks to a partnership between Williams and Honda, who supplied the powerful engine that made it stand out.
This restoration is more than just rebuilding a car; it's a tribute to a successful partnership that changed F1. Honda’s RA166E 1.5L V6 twin-turbo engine was the heart of the FW11, and it played a key role in Honda winning their first Constructors' title in 1986. The car’s design featured advanced aerodynamics, a lightweight structure, and a manual six-speed gearbox, making it a symbol of 1980s F1 innovation. Weighing just 540 kg, it was a fast and agile machine that dominated on the track.
On July 12th, Nigel Mansell will reunite with the car for the first time since 1986, taking it to the hill climb at Goodwood. Mansell’s presence adds an emotional touch to the event, reminding everyone of his incredible racing career. He's joined by other racing legends, such as Thierry Boutsen and Riccardo Patrese, who will also test their skills behind the wheel of classic Williams cars.
Legends Collide: The Spirit of F1’s Greatest Era
Besides the FW11, the festival will showcase one of Williams’ most innovative cars—the FW14B. This machine was driven by Nigel Mansell in 1992 and became famous for its active suspension system, helping Mansell win the championship that year. The FW14B was a true technological advanced car for its time, pushing the limits of engineering and setting a new standard in racing.
The event will also see legends like Nigel Mansell and Alain Prost reconnect with their iconic cars. Mansell will be driving the famous Williams FW14B, while Prost will take the wheel of the McLaren MP4/4, the car that dominated the 1988 season. These reunions are a rare chance for fans to see the raw power and engineering brilliance of those historic machines in action.
Williams Racing’s team principal James Vowles said, “Celebrating our rich history at Goodwood with these legendary cars is a great honor. Restoring the FW11 was a labor of love, and seeing Nigel Mansell drive it once again is truly special.” The event not only celebrates past glories but also inspires future innovations in racing, highlighting the ongoing legacy of Williams and Honda in motorsport.
Overall, this year's Goodwood Festival of Speed promises an unforgettable journey through F1 history, connecting fans with the legendary cars and drivers who defined an exciting era of racing. It’s a celebration of engineering, speed, and the spirit of competition that continues to inspire generations of motorsport fans worldwide.
