One of the most traditional teams in Formula 1 is Williams, but since 2020 a question has occasionally arisen – could the name disappear in the future? This is because it was acquired by new owners (Dorilton Capital), no longer belonging to the family of founder Sir Frank Williams.
However, a change of name is not even being considered, as team principal James Vowles assured AutoHebdo: ‘I think it is one of the biggest brands – certainly in motorsport and certainly in the United Kingdom. I have no desire to change, nor does Dorilton, because it means a lot. Frank Williams and his legacy will remain with us’.
In fact, the livery of the Williams FW46 reflects that legacy of Sir Frank Williams, including the team’s original logo on the bonnet: ‘I wanted to reflect that I am not here to replace him, but rather to continue the Williams legacy,’ Vowles assured.
Although the names of various teams do not withstand the test of time – such as Sauber, whose name has been dominated by sponsors – there are examples of others that remain strong even without being the major constructors. One example is McLaren, which continues to carry the name of its founder even without belonging to the family or developing its own engines in competition and on the roads.
