One team on the Formula 1 grid will adopt a stunning new livery for this weekend's Mexican Grand Prix in a nod to the Latin American legs on the 2024 calendar thanks to a key sponsor.
The 20th round of the 2024 season returns to the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez where a show-stopping race will no doubt take place, every point up for grabs in what has unravelled as one of the sport's most competitive seasons in recent years.
One team who will be doing everything they can to boost their place in the constructors' standings is Williams, having secured 13 points over the last four races since they sacked Logan Sargeant.
The American racer was swiftly replaced mid-season following a series of costly crashes, with 21-year-old Argentine driver Franco Colapinto taking his seat.
Since joining Williams at the Italian GP, Colapinto has contributed five points towards the team's efforts, more points than that of Sargeant and previous Williams driver Nicholas Latifi combined.
Williams to pay tribute with Latin American design
The FW46 driven by Colapinto and team-mate Alex Albon will be given a makeover this weekend in Mexico with a livery that will also feature at the Brazilian Grand Prix weekend from November 1, 2024.
The design will feature partner Mercado Libre’s statement yellow branding on the engine cover, paying tribute to the team’s Championship-winning history whilst celebrating the partnership with the E-commerce that joined Williams as an Official Partner in August after Colapinto’s promotion to the F1 team.
Yellow first appeared on the FW08C in 1983 and featured on many memorable liveries with a variety of partners until the end of 1993, a period which saw the team pick up three of their nine constructors’ titles and three of the seven drivers’ championships, including Brazilian Nelson Piquet’s third and final title in 1987, driving the FW11B.
In a statement from the team, James Bower, Commercial Director of Williams Racing said: "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.”
Juan Lavista, Marketing Vice President, Mercado Libre 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."