Williams announce special Honda F1 reunion

The Williams F1 team has announced a reunion with Japanese manufacturer Honda at the upcoming Goodwood Festival of Speed.

The event will take place from July 10 to July 13 and will feature various iconic cars from motorsport history.

This includes the Williams FW11, which F1 champion Nigel Mansell drove during the 1986 season.

Mansell narrowly missed out on the F1 title that year as a tyre blowout towards the end of the final race of the campaign handed the championship to Alain Prost.

Mansell will get back behind the wheel of the FW11 for the first time since 1986 next month after Williams successfully restored the car. It will also mark the first collaboration between Williams and Honda since the 1980s.

“It’s an incredible privilege to celebrate Williams’ rich history at Goodwood, showcasing two of the team’s most iconic cars,” said Williams team principal James Vowles. 

“The restored FW11 represents a historic collaboration between Atlassian Williams Racing and Honda Motor Co., Ltd, a partnership that defined an era of engineering excellence and championship success. 

“Alongside the legendary FW14B, seeing these cars together at Goodwood is a powerful reminder of our rich racing legacy. 

“This event perfectly honours the heritage and innovation that continue to inspire our team today.”

Mansell will not be the only driver to jump into the car - Williams F1 race winners Thierry Boutsen and Riccardo Patrese will also have a turn, as will former F1 driver Karun Chandhok.