Williams Racing, Kraken’s Rear Wing Takeover Returns With Cosmos Collection NFT Airdrop

Crypto exchange Kraken is giving NFT holders the opportunity to showcase their PFPs on Williams Racing’s United States Grand Prix livery in the second Rear Wing Takeover contest.

“Last year’s takeover generated huge interest and a brilliant design, and we can’t wait to see what fans will choose this time round,” said James Bower, Commercial Director at Williams Racing, in a statement shared with Decrypt.

This year’s contest will see holders of Williams Racing’s Grid Pass NFTs receive an airdrop of PFPs from the new 100,000-strong Cosmos Collection. Designed by leading Web3 artist CandyApple, the Cosmos Collection PFPs feature 10 different character types and over 130 unique traits.

Grid Pass holders can submit their Cosmos Collection NFTs for inclusion in Williams Racing’s rear wing design for the U.S. Grand Prix in Austin on October 20. Fans will vote to pick six winners from a shortlist of 12 NFTs, with the winners incorporated into the livery for Alex Albon and Franco Colapinto’s cars.

“The Cosmos Collection brings Williams Racing’s proud F1 heritage to a new wave of digitally-savvy fans, and the Rear Wing Takeover is a unique chance for our supporters to decide what the FW46 will look like in Austin,” said Bower.

Kraken CMO Mayur Gupta added that the Rear Wing Takeover contest “brings a new twist to one of KrakenNFT’s most popular 2023 events,” calling the competition, “a great opportunity to collaborate with our Williams Racing partners and accelerate crypto awareness through sport.”

Last year’s Rear Wing Takeover saw six lucky winners’ NFTs showcased on the rear wing of both Williams Racing cars during the Formula 1 Lenovo United States Grand Prix 2023 weekend, seen by millions of fans in person and on TV.

The Williams Racing Collectibles+ Grid Pass

Powered by Kraken, the Williams Racing Collectibles+ Grid Pass launched in 2023, with over 50,000 claimed to date. “The technology that powers cryptocurrency is ideal for creating fun, safe fan experiences via digital asset ownership,” said Gupta, with Grid Pass holders receiving benefits including Fan Zone activities, merchandise pre-sales and digital collectible airdrops.

The Grid Pass has been updated for 2024, with perks including a 15% discount on Williams Racing merchandise, plus access to special activities at Williams Racing Fan Zones, with “more surprises” coming down the pipe.