The 2023 British Grand Prix was not simply Round 10 of the FIA Formula 1 World Championship. For Williams Racing, it represented a landmark: their 800th World Championship entry as a constructor, a figure that places them among the most enduring organisations in the sport's history. Spark Model's resin 1:18 captures that precise moment — car #23, driven by Alexander Albon, wearing the commemorative livery details applied for Silverstone.
The FW45: Mercedes Power, Revised Aerodynamics
Williams' FW45 was the team's challenger for the 2023 FIA Formula 1 World Championship, retaining the zero-sidepod-inspired concept introduced on the FW44 but with significant aerodynamic revisions developed over the winter. Under the bodywork sat a Mercedes-AMG F1 M14 E Performance 1.6-litre V6 turbocharged hybrid power unit, the same specification available to works-supported customer teams. The FW45 represented a measured evolution rather than a wholesale redesign, with Williams targeting improved downforce consistency and tyre management across circuits.
Silverstone, 9 July 2023: Williams' 800th Grand Prix
When the FW45 rolled out at Silverstone for the 2023 British Grand Prix, the #23 car carried special livery markings honouring Williams Racing's 800th Formula 1 World Championship entry. The dark blue base livery incorporated Gulf Oil and Duracell sponsorship elements alongside the milestone branding. Albon ran the full race distance, finishing P12. The race itself was won by Max Verstappen in the Red Bull RB19, with Lando Norris and Lewis Hamilton completing the podium — a result that underlined the competitive gap Williams were working to close across 2023.
Spark Model: Resin Construction at 1:18
This replica is produced by Spark Model, a manufacturer whose 1:18 resin Formula 1 range targets collectors seeking accurate event-specific livery reproduction. The material is resin throughout, allowing Spark's production process to replicate the intricate surface geometry and sponsor graphics of a contemporary F1 car — including the 800th GP commemorative markings specific to this Silverstone race. Spark's reference for this piece covers Albon's #23 car at the British Grand Prix only, meaning the milestone livery details are unique to this particular release within the Williams FW45 range.
In the Display Cabinet: Where This Model Belongs
For collectors building a Williams Racing constructor set, this model occupies a singular position: it is the only 1:18 representation of the team's 800th Grand Prix. It pairs naturally with other 2023-regulation ground-effect era Williams pieces, or alongside Albon's earlier FW44 replicas to trace the driver's progression with the team. It also sits well within a broader 2023 British Grand Prix grouping, where the Verstappen and Norris cars from the same event provide a compelling competitive context on the shelf.
Frequently asked questions
What makes this model different from other Williams FW45 replicas?
This Spark Model release represents car #23 specifically at the 2023 British Grand Prix, wearing the special '800th Grand Prix' commemorative livery markings applied to celebrate Williams Racing's milestone of entering their 800th Formula 1 World Championship race as a constructor. That livery detail was unique to Silverstone and is not found on other FW45 releases.
Who drove the #23 Williams at the 2023 British Grand Prix and what was the result?
Alexander Albon drove the #23 Williams FW45 at Silverstone on 9 July 2023, finishing P12 in the race. Max Verstappen won the grand prix, with Lando Norris and Lewis Hamilton on the podium.
What material is this model made from?
The model is produced in resin by Spark Model, consistent with Spark's 1:18 Formula 1 collector range.
What engine did the Williams FW45 use?
The FW45 was powered by a Mercedes-AMG F1 M14 E Performance 1.6-litre V6 turbocharged hybrid power unit.
