The Williams Formula 1 team is experiencing backlash for unveiling a special livery that commemorates a historic car, which coincidentally featured sponsorship from the Bin Laden family. The timing of the livery's debut, ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix in Madrid, falls on the 25th anniversary of the September 11th attacks, sparking criticism.
The special livery is a nod to the FW07C, a car the team raced in 1981, the last time Williams competed in Madrid. During that era, the car received significant backing from Saudi Arabian firms, including Saudia Airlines as a primary sponsor. The construction company of Mohamed Bin Laden, father of Osama bin Laden, also provided financial support, and the car at one point bore the Bin Laden name.
Williams stated the livery was chosen to mark their return to Madrid and driver Carlos Sainz's home race. The team said the design "connects those two moments to reflect the strength that comes from building on layers of knowledge year after year," drawing inspiration from the "striking white, green, and navy blue of the Constructors’ Championship-winning 1981 design."
However, F1 pundit Will Buxton raised concerns about the timing. On his podcast, Buxton noted the historical connection to the Bin Laden family and its subsequent association with the 9/11 attacks, calling it a "very delicate moment of world history."
"Any other weekend, you'd be like, 'Oh, that's pretty cool.' This weekend, I think, you know, there's a focus group that's failed to focus really on that. People will make that link and they will make that association," Buxton said.
While some defended the team, arguing Buxton's link was a stretch, others agreed the timing was insensitive. Social media users expressed disappointment, with one commenting, "Slightly poor timing…. Did no one around the table say “hmm, maybe not this weekend boss…?”' Another added, "Probably not the best weekend to run this livery."
Williams Team Principal James Vowles emphasized the livery's connection to the team's history and future aspirations, stating, "Our mission to get back to the front of the grid is drawn from, inspired by and informed by everything we’ve done before."