Mansell to drive newly-restored Williams FW11 at Goodwood Festival of Speed
Williams has announced a landmark collaboration with Honda 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 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 that will take place from 10 to 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’.
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.
Mansell will be joined by 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, 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 Williams Racing’s James Vowles, Jamie Chadwick and Lia Block.
Commenting on the announcement, Williams team boss James Vowles noted: “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.”
Reflecting on the announcement, Williams Racing's Heritage Director Jonathan Kennard stated: “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.”
Speaking of the collaboration, Koji Watanabe, who acts as the President of Honda Racing Corporation (HRC), stated: “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.”
