Williams have become the third F1 team on the grid to unveil their car for the 2023 season, announcing some new major sponsors alongside it.
In a manner that is similar to Red Bull, the British team’s new challenger has a paint scheme that has experienced “evolution” rather than “revolution”.
The 2023 car, called the FW45, maintains Williams’ diamond-patterned and blue paint scheme. In addition, the machine retains the Duracell sponsor on the air intake at the top of the car.
More carry-overs from the 2022 car include red and sky-blue trim along the front end and sidepod. However, there have been some modifications to the design. For instance, rather than a gloss finish, the Williams 2023 car has matte paint.
There are also a number of new sponsors added to the livery – including an exciting new partnership.
Williams announce partnership with Gulf at 2023 car reveal
Oil manufacturer Gulf International have partnered with Williams on a multi-year deal. The brand has a proud history in motorsport, sponsoring teams in many different categories throughout the years.
Gulf’s iconic orange and blue colours also make for some legendary paint schemes. Unfortunately, though, Williams have not incorporated this into their livery for 2023.
Despite this, the Gulf logo is emblazoned on the rear wings of the cars, as well as having a prominent place near the base of the halo. Further branding is found on team kit, including the race suits.
Williams chairman, Matthew Savage, shared his thoughts on this important new collaboration.
“I am incredibly excited about this partnership between Williams Racing and Gulf, a renowned and trusted global brand, who have put their trust in us as a long-term partner,” said Savage, via Williams’ website.
“This signifies the strength of our brand and commercial offerings as we continue our transformation. Gulf and Williams Racing share an illustrious motorsport heritage. Together, we are making history with this partnership.”
But Gulf is not the only addition to Williams’ commercial partners. Stephens, Michelob ULTRA, and PureStream are also new sponsors for 2023, with their logos featuring on the car as a result.
These new changes come at a time when the team has adjusted its driver line-up, too.
Williams: what’s new for this year?
The Grove-based squad will have a rookie in one of their cars this season. American driver Logan Sargeant will make his F1 debut in 2023, replacing Nicholas Latifi.
Latifi is out of F1 after Williams decided to make a change in their driver pairing for the upcoming campaign.
Sargeant joins Alex Albon in the FW45, which will get its first shakedown at Silverstone next week. Following a year out in 2021, the ex-Red Bull ace returned to the grid and outperformed Latifi in the same car. However, even Albon could only score four points in what proved a difficult vehicle to handle.
So, the only way is up the standings for Williams in 2023. With some fresh faces and new sponsors, maybe the nine-time constructors’ champions can regularly compete for points.
Featured image credit: Getty
