Williams have shown off the eye-catching matte livery that will adorn their FW45 challenger during the 2023 Formula 1 World Championship.
In a special unveiling ceremony at the Grove headquarters in the UK, Williams revealed their new look in the presence of the refreshed driver line-up of American rookie Logan Sargeant and incumbent driver, Alex Albon – with the team also announcing oil company Gulf as a new sponsor, along with other new partners.
Not only will the team have a rookie driver, but they will head into the 2023 season with a rookie Team principal as well, with James Vowles moving over from his role as Motorsport Strategy Director at Mercedes to take the reins at Williams.
Vowles is set to begin work at Grove on February 20th, three days before the drivers begin 2023 pre-season testing at the Bahrain International Circuit.
With the physical Williams FW45 set to hit the track at Silverstone shakedown on February 13th, the team confirmed that they had ‘taken the opportunity to heavily evolve the side concept’ on the new car thanks to ‘optimising the power unit cooling layout’ – in which Williams continue with Mercedes power for a 10th consecutive season.
The team also promised that the FW45 would be more aerodynamically efficient than its FW44 predecessor, with modifications to the front suspension layout and major external aerodynamic surfaces also incorporated into the new machine’s design.
The team has worked really hard last year and over the winter to address some key areas in our car, putting in the work to try and maximise what we get out of the car for 2023, so I’m looking forward to seeing what the FW45 can do. We also welcome new partners to the team this year, so it’s great to have them onboard.
Albon on 2023.
I’m really excited for the season to get started after what, for me, feels like a long winter! I’m super motivated and we’ve put a lot of hard work in. The car is looking amazing and it shows the huge effort the team has put in the off season, so I’m looking forward to getting started at Silverstone before heading out to Bahrain.
Sargeant on his rookie F1 season.
As Williams Racing continues its transformation, we’re proud to unveil this year’s livery. We are excited about this year’s car, and I cannot thank the entire team at Grove enough for their hard work to get ready for the season. I am delighted to welcome both new and existing partners to our journey. With our new Team Principal James Vowles joining us later this month, as well as our exciting driver line up of Alex and Logan, Williams Racing will be giving its all in 2023.
Matthew Savage, Williams Racing Chairman of the Board.
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