Williams and Honda Motor Co., Ltd. Reunite Nigel Mansell with FW11 in Historic Restoration for Goodwood Festival of Speed

Atlassian Williams Racing is proud to announce a landmark collaboration with Honda Motor Co., Ltd. to restore one of the most iconic machines in Formula 1 history — the Honda-powered FW11, the celebrated 1986 Formula 1 Constructors’ World Championship-winning car driven to glory by Nigel Mansell.

Following several months of meticulous, period-correct restoration by Williams Heritage, the FW11 has been fully rebuilt to its original championship-winning specification and will make a highly-anticipated return to the track at this year’s Goodwood Festival of Speed (10-13 July). Nigel Mansell will reunite with the car for the first time since 1986, taking to the wheel on Saturday 12 July. This moment marks the first collaboration between Williams and Honda Motor Co., Ltd. since their historic partnership in the 1980s.

Celebrating 75 years of Formula 1, this year’s Festival of Speed embraces the theme: ‘The Winning Formula: Champions and Challengers’. Williams Heritage and Honda Motor Co., Ltd’s participation perfectly embodies this spirit, showcasing a former Constructors’ Championship-winning car driven by multiple former Williams World Champions and race winners — a true celebration of Williams’ legacy as one of the sport’s most successful teams.

The Williams FW11 is a symbol of 1980s F1 dominance, combining Honda’s RA166E 1.5L V6 twin-turbo engine with Williams' cutting-edge engineering. Weighing just 540 kg, the car features pushrod front and pullrod rear double wishbone suspension, and a six-speed manual gearbox, providing exceptional handling and precision. This restoration celebrates both the car’s groundbreaking technology and its enduring legacy in the sport.

Joining Mansell will be former Williams race winners Thierry Boutsen and Riccardo Patrese, alongside Williams Heritage Ambassador and Formula 1 broadcaster Karun Chandhok, each taking their turn behind the wheel throughout the festival.

In addition to the FW11 showcase, Atlassian Williams Racing will bring their iconic FW14B to Goodwood — the active-suspension machine that propelled the team to the 1992 Constructors’ World Championship.

The FW14B will be piloted across the weekend by talent from Williams’ past, present, and future, including Nigel Mansell, and Atlassian Williams Racing’s James Vowles, Jamie Chadwick and Lia Block.

Together, these cars and drivers will highlight two of the most significant chapters in Williams’ illustrious Formula 1 history, thrilling fans and paying tribute to decades of innovation, passion, and success.

James Vowles, Team Principal, Atlassian Williams Racing: “It’s an incredible privilege to celebrate Williams’ rich history at Goodwood, showcasing two of the team’s most iconic cars. 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.”

Jonathan Kennard, Heritage Director, Atlassian Williams Racing: “Restoring the FW11 to its original, race-winning condition has been a true labour of love for all here at Williams Heritage. Witnessing the car take to the hill at Goodwood, reunited with Nigel Mansell for the first time since 1986, will be an unforgettable and deeply meaningful moment for everyone involved. I’m especially proud to see Atlassian Williams Racing and Honda Motor Co., Ltd come together once again, rekindling a partnership that made history nearly four decades ago. This collaboration stands as a powerful tribute to the remarkable era of innovation and success that we forged in Formula 1.”

Koji Watanabe, President of Honda Racing Corporation (HRC): “In Honda’s F1 journey since 1964, the FW11 represents a milestone of a perfect combination of engine performance and chassis dynamics. Collaborating with Williams Heritage to restore this iconic car honours our shared history and commitment to innovation. Its return to the track at Goodwood, is a fitting celebration of 75 years of Formula 1 and endorses the legacy of engineering excellence and competitive spirit we helped build together over many years.”