Williams Racing and Mercado Libre Celebrate Speed with Heritage-Inspired Yellow Engine Cover Takeover

The Williams Racing FW46 driven by Alex Albon and Franco Colapinto in Mexico and Brazil will feature partner Mercado Libre’s statement yellow branding on the engine cover – in a nod to the team’s Championship-winning heritage.

The eye-catching special takeover will celebrate Williams and Mercado Libre’s shared passion for speed and innovation during the Latin American leg of the Formula 1 calendar.

E-commerce and digital payments giant Mercado Libre, with more than 100 million users across 18 Latin American countries, is the fastest shipping service in Latin America. Founded in Argentina and listed on the NASDAQ stock exchange, Mercado Libre joined Williams as an Official Partner in August after Franco Colapinto’s promotion to an F1 race seat.

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 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.

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. In addition, Franco will star in a new TV commercial promoting the partnership across the region.

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.”

Juan Lavista, Marketing Vice President, Mercado Libre: “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.”