Williams cancels augmented reality launch of 2021 F1 car after app hack

F1

Williams' 2021 F1 car launch will no longer be through an AR app after a hack ahead of the reveal

Nicholas Latifi (CDN) Williams Racing FW43. Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Friday 11th December 2020. Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, UAE.

Williams had scheduled a unique launch via app, but those plans have been cancelled

Williams Racing

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Williams has confirmed its 2021 F1 car launch will no longer happen through an augmented reality app after a hack prior to the 2pm launch on Friday.

The team said in a short statement that the app will no longer be live for the car launch and that plans were now for the car to be unveiled by digital renderings and official team photography.

Originally, the team had hoped fans would be able to download the Williams Racing AR Launch 2021 from app stores to project a scale model of the car into their homes.

A miniature and full-scale AR version of the car was planned to be included. Images of the supposed 2021 livery had been leaked and circulated online prior to Friday’s launch. It was claimed that these were accessed via the app’s code.

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“Williams Racing planned to reveal its 2021 challenger, the FW43B, via an augmented reality app later today (5th March),” a team statement said.

“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.”

According to Apple, the app was developed by Brandwidth, a digital innovation agency. Motor Sport has contacted the company for comment.

The FW43B is still set to be revealed at 2pm and will be the first car of the post-Williams family ownership era for the Dorilton Capital-owned team.