Williams fans were dealt a disappointing feat today as the Williams team had to shut down its app ahead of its 2021 season car launch.
The team revealed it had to remove the app, enabling fans to experience the launch via augmented reality, due to the system being hacked.
The launch idea had been conjured up to allow fans to be part of the unveiling in the midst of the current pandemic, however the team said:
“Williams Racing planned to reveal its 2021 challenger, the FW43B, via an augmented reality app later today (March 5).
“However, sadly, because the app was hacked prior to launch, this will no longer be possible.
“We have subsequently removed the app from both the Apple App Store and Android Google Play store.
“We were very much looking forward to sharing this experience with our fans, particularly during this difficult time when being able to bring in-person experiences directly to our fans is sadly not possible. We can only apologise that this has not been possible.
“Numerous other launch assets are available today, however, including rendered photography of the FW43B and interview b-roll packages of CEO Jost Capito, Team Principal Simon Roberts, and race drivers George Russell and Nicholas Latifi.”
Meanwhile, the Williams Mercedes FW43B, features a striking new livery for the season ahead.
The team has said the “new look captures the spirit of the team’s past, the present transformation and its drive to future ambitions” as it heads into its first full season with new owners, US-based Investment company, Dorilton Capital.
The 2021 car will race with a dramatic new visual identity sporting a livery inspired by Williams’ all-conquering cars of the 1980s and 1990s, combining blues, white and yellow accents.