HMS Kent knows the formula for success after 20 sailors were treated to a behind-the-scenes tour of one of the world’s greatest Grand Prix teams.
Sailors of all ranks and branches were invited to Grove in Oxfordshire, home of Formula 1 Williams Team Facility.
The visit began with a tour of the team’s heritage collection, including recently retired cars, making up the largest private collection of Grand Prix cars in the world.
With over 40 vehicles on display, the collection showcased the incredible racing history of the team spanning 60 years.
Some of the greatest names in F1 – Nigel Mansell, Alain Prost, Ayrton Senna, Damon Hill and Nelson Piquet – have raced for Williams down the years, driving to 114 victories (as of mid-February 2023).
Six Williams drivers have lifted the championship title, while the team itself holds nine constructors championships.
Not a bad pedigree. And thanks to their superb hosts, the nautical visitors were given an informative tour which revealed many interesting stories behind some of the iconic vehicles on show.
The team were also shown the Esports simulators and the giant four-lane Scalextric setup in addition to the hugely impressive trophy room.
“The superb visit enabled my team to gain a rare insight into the pinnacle of motor sport which was genuinely fascinating,” said Commander Jez Brettell, Kent’s Commanding Officer.
