In a thrilling announcement for motorsport enthusiasts, Williams Racing has confirmed that team principal James Vowles, three-time W Series champion Jamie Chadwick, and F1 Academy driver Lia Block will drive the iconic FW14B at the 2025 Goodwood Festival of Speed. The event, scheduled for July 10-13, will celebrate 75 years of Formula 1, and the appearance of the legendary car, famously piloted by Nigel Mansell to the 1992 World Championship, promises to be a highlight of the festival. Adding to the excitement, Mansell himself will also take the wheel of his championship-winning machine, marking a nostalgic reunion with the car that defined his career.
The FW14B, renowned for its advanced aerodynamics and active suspension, dominated the 1992 season, securing Mansell’s only world title and cementing Williams’ place in F1 history. Its return to the Goodwood hillclimb, one of the most prestigious events in motorsport, is a fitting tribute to Formula 1’s milestone anniversary. Vowles, who has been instrumental in steering Williams toward a competitive resurgence, expressed his enthusiasm for the opportunity. “It’s fantastic news that Jamie, Lia, and I will all be driving the FW14B up the hill at the Goodwood Festival of Speed this year,” he said, emphasizing the privilege of piloting a car that remains a symbol of engineering excellence.
For Jamie Chadwick, the event offers a chance to connect with Williams’ storied past while representing the team’s commitment to diversity in motorsport. Chadwick, a Williams Racing ambassador and a trailblazer for women in racing, has long admired the FW14B’s legacy. Her participation underscores her growing influence in the sport, as she continues to inspire the next generation of drivers. Similarly, Lia Block, an emerging talent in the F1 Academy, brings youthful energy to the lineup. Block’s inclusion highlights Williams’ investment in nurturing young drivers, with the American racer eager to experience the raw power of a car from F1’s golden era.
Nigel Mansell’s presence adds an emotional layer to the event. The British racing legend, whose aggressive driving style and charisma made him a fan favorite, will relive his 1992 glory days. His participation not only honors his personal achievements but also serves as a bridge between F1’s past and present, as he shares the stage with Vowles, Chadwick, and Block. The quartet’s runs up the Goodwood hillclimb are expected to draw massive crowds, with fans eager to see the FW14B’s distinctive livery roar through the West Sussex estate.
The Goodwood Festival of Speed, known for its unique blend of historic and modern machinery, provides the perfect backdrop for this celebration. Williams Racing’s decision to showcase the FW14B reflects the team’s pride in its heritage while signaling optimism for the future under Vowles’ leadership.