Williams unveils the livery of its FW45

Never two without three. After Haas et Red Bull, the stable of Whole grained is the third to reveal the colors of its new livery… and its livery only, the FW45 being presented adorned with its 2023 coat on the 2022 lines.

And at first glance, nothing seems to have changed. Only the discreet presence of the Gulf logo, Williams' new sponsor for the coming season, distinguishes the two cars. The same goes for the pilots' suits, on which the oil company is making a place for itself. 

The FW45 in profile. ©Williams Racing

Williams wants to leave the back of the grid in 2023

For the second most victorious team in the premier category, the last few years have been summed up by a dive into the depths of the Manufacturers' ranking. A 10th position that she has held regularly for five years, 2021 aside because she was rewarded for the performances of George Russell. Last year, it was impossible to interfere in the battle between Alpha Tauri and Haas, with 35 and 37 points respectively while the Grove team struggled to reach 8 points.

But the Williams blue could regain its shine for the coming season, as a new dynamic seems to be emerging in the British garage. Driving, Nicholas latifi is dismissed in favor of the rookie Logan sargeant, Alexander albon remains at his side to ensure the stability of the stable. The reins will now be held by James Wolves, former head of strategy at Mercedes. A line on the resume that alone has the potential to bring Williams to the surface. And, finally, the return of Gulf on the body of a car de Formula 1, after a last notable appearance on a livery McLaren special for the 2021 Monaco Grand Prix.

« Gulf has a great history in motorsport with some of the most iconic and respected teams, of which Williams is a part, says Mike Jones, president of Gulf. Together, we bring together decades of experience to make Formula 1 and Williams fans feel closer to the sport they love through our partnership. We look forward to expanding our footprint at Williams Driver Academy and Williams Esports. "And to continue:" We share a vision of a bright future, on and off the track, which makes this association possible thanks to our common culture. “That’s why Williams is the ideal partner for Gulf, and we can’t wait to start this new chapter in our motorsport history.” »

The FW45 on track at Silverstone

See you on February 13 at Silverstone (United Kingdom) to see the first steps of the FW45, which will be an evolution of the 2022 single-seater. The team worked a lot last year and over the winter on key elements of the car to maximize its potential in 2023, so I'm really looking forward to seeing what the FW45 has in store., says Alexander Albon. We are also welcoming new partners this year, it's great to have them with us. »

A winter that was also long for the Thai’s new teammate, Logan Sargeant: “ I'm super motivated and we've worked a lot. The car is incredible, it is representative of the effort the team has put in during the season, I can't wait to start racing at Silverstone before arriving in Bahrain. » And to see the FW45 and its competitors during winter testing, you will have to wait until February 23.

The 2023 Williams livery in pictures

ALSO READ > The calendar of F1 2023 presentations