Williams became the first of the ten Formula 1 teams to reveal their 2024 race car. The Stake F1 Team launch is scheduled to follow later today.
The F1 team, founded by Sir Frank Williams and debuted at the 1975 Argentine Grand Prix, has a rich history in the sport. They have participated in 48 world championship seasons and achieved great success in the eighties and nineties, winning nine F1 Constructors titles. The team also produced notable World Champions such as Alan Jones, Keke Rosberg, Nelson Piquet, Nigel Mansell, Alain Prost, Damon Hill, and Jacques Villeneuve.
The Grove, UK-based team paid homage to their legendary past by unveiling their striking blue livery. This design connects Williams’ championship-winning legacy with their ambition to return to the forefront of the grid. The livery was revealed at PUMA’s Flagship store on Fifth Avenue in New York City.
The 2024 livery serves as a contemporary tribute to Williams Racing’s impressive history. With nine Constructors’ World Championships, seven Drivers’ Championships, and 114 race wins under their belt, the team has established themselves as a force to be reckoned with. The livery, following the tradition of using “FW” in the car’s name, seamlessly blends past achievements with future aspirations. It features a vibrant color transition from Heritage Navy Blue to New Era Williams. The incorporation of a red and white pinstripe, inspired by historic cars from the 1985 FW10 driven by Nigel Mansell and Keke Rosberg to the 1997 Championship-winning FW19 piloted by Jacques Villeneuve, adds a touch of class and power to the design.
In addition to celebrating their heritage, the livery also showcases the team’s new partnerships. Multiple new team partners have contributed to the energetic feel of this year’s design. The unveiling took place at the PUMA store in New York, marking the team’s collaboration with the sportswear giant. PUMA will provide official team kit, driver racewear, fan collections, and accessories starting from 2024 onwards.
The FW46, the first car developed under the leadership of Team Principal James Vowles, will have its track debut at a pre-season promotional filming day in Bahrain on February 20. This will be followed by the Official Pre-Season test, commencing on February 21.
The British Formula 1 team has made significant commercial agreements in preparation for the upcoming 2024 season. Williams Racing’s collaboration with Komatsu marks a significant milestone for the team as they strive to strengthen their position both on and off the track.
This partnership proudly revives a longstanding connection that was established between Williams Racing and Komatsu during the 1980s and 90s, which coincided with one of the team’s most successful periods in Formula 1. Throughout that time, Komatsu provided valuable expertise and technology to Williams, including gearbox components for the Championship-winning FW18 and FW19 cars.
Both Williams and Komatsu are now poised to reignite their shared legacy during a crucial phase in the sport, as they work together to establish a new era of triumph starting in 2024 and beyond.
Komatsu, a renowned global manufacturing giant, specializes in the production and distribution of construction and mining equipment, utility equipment (compact machines), forest machines, industrial machinery, and more.
The presence of Komatsu’s logo will be prominently displayed on the FW46 car driven by Alex Albon and Logan Sargeant, as well as on the driver overalls and Williams Racing team kit.
By partnering with Komatsu, Williams Racing adds another valuable ally to their long-term mission of returning to the forefront of the grid. In addition to Komatsu, the team has recently welcomed data platform provider VAST Data as an Official Partner, further bolstering their momentum heading into the 2024 season. The expertise of VAST Data in managing and processing large datasets is crucial in harnessing the wealth of information generated by F1 cars to optimize the team’s performance.
These new collaborations follow a series of significant additions announced in the latter half of 2023, including partnerships with THG (through its Myprotein and Ingenuity brands) and PUMA.
Furthermore, in January, it was announced that Williams Racing has extended its power unit relationship with Mercedes-Benz, ensuring their supply of engines from the renowned manufacturer will continue beyond 2026.
