Sailors visit Williams F1 to learn from racing innovators
A team of Royal Navy engineers swapped ships for supercars as they spent a day inside Williams Racing’s Oxfordshire headquarters, gaining rare insight into the cutting-edge technology behind one of Formula 1’s greatest names.
Project explore puts innovation in focus
Eight engineers from Forward Support Units (FSUs) Archimedes, Brunel and Campbell visited the Williams facility in Grove as part of Project Explore – an initiative designed to expose naval engineers to high-performance industries and advanced mechanical systems.
The FSUs provide vital technical support to the Royal Navy’s surface fleet both at home and overseas, ensuring front-line ships remain ready for action.
Commander Will Jones, from Surface Flotilla, said: “The visit to Williams F1 highlights the core intent of Project Explore – to broaden the engineering knowledge base of our teams. By engaging with organisations at the forefront of innovation, we equip our engineers with insights that can be translated into smarter, faster and more resilient naval engineering solutions.”
Lessons from a racing powerhouse
Williams, a team with seven drivers’ and nine constructors’ world titles, opened the doors of its Experience Centre to showcase the intricate detail and design excellence that define modern F1.
The sailors were given a behind-the-scenes look at the team’s technology – from the carbon-fibre side pods and lightweight seats to the complexity of an F1 steering wheel containing hundreds of programmable settings. They also examined the car’s fuel systems, aerodynamic shaping, and even historic innovations such as active suspension, banned from racing since 1994 but still admired for its engineering brilliance.
Sergeant James Hollman, who coordinated the visit, said: “It was a fantastic day which gave the team a real insight into the amazing level of engineering that goes into a modern Formula 1 car. Watching qualifying afterwards – especially seeing Williams secure their first front-row start in nearly a decade – made it even more memorable.”
From racetrack to warship
The day ended with the sailors joining Williams staff in the presentation suite to watch live qualifying for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, listening to pit wall communications with drivers Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz as they raced at over 200mph.
With 38 historic Williams cars on display – from 1970s icons to today’s models – the visit offered more than just nostalgia. For the Royal Navy engineers, it demonstrated how innovation, teamwork and precision can deliver results both on the racetrack and at sea.
As Project Explore continues, the Royal Navy hopes such exchanges will inspire its engineers to bring the same level of performance-driven thinking to the fleet – proving that whether it’s a Formula 1 car or a frigate, great engineering knows no boundaries.
Credit: Royal Navy / MOD, Crown Copyright
