Williams announce launch date for 2021 car, the FW43B

Williams have become the fifth Formula 1 team to announce the launch date of their new car, with the covers set to come off their 2021 challenger on Friday, March 5.

The Grove team have also revealed the new car will be called the FW43B. All Williams cars have carried the 'FW' prefix, after team founder Sir Frank Williams. He left the team last year after selling out to investment firm Dorilton Capital in August. His daughter Claire, who was Deputy Team Principal, also left, ending the Williams family's involvement in the team started by Sir Frank in the 1970s - but clearly the new owners are keen to keep links to their illustious history by retaining the car naming convention.

Last season's car was the FW43, and this year's charger will be an evolution of that, as all the teams will carry over much of last year's parts - including the chassis - into 2021 as part of cost-saving measures to help cope with the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. Hence the 'FW43B', as opposed to a new designation for an entirely fresh car.

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Williams have finished last in the constructors' championship for the last three years running - a far cry from their days of championship dominance in the 1980s and 1990s.

But new owners Dorilton have been busy investing in the team and bringing in new personnel as they bid to turn that form around and begin climbing back up the grid.

Ex-Mclaren boss Jost Capito has been brought in as CEO, while former Williams driver and 2009 World Champion Jenson Button has joined as a senior advisor.

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We now have launch dates for half the F1 grid, with McLaren, Mercedes, Alfa Romeo and AlphaTauri already having announced when their cars will break cover. Tap here to see those details, and all the dates you need for your diary around the 2021 season.