At a special launch event hosted at their headquarters in the UK, Williams Racing presented the sleek matte livery for the FW45, the car that will compete in the 2023 Formula 1 World Championship. The presentation, attended by teammates Logan Sargeant and Alex Albon, offered a glimpse of the final color scheme for the machine currently being assembled. Interestingly, the 2023 design draws heavy inspiration from the team's aesthetic during the closing stages of the previous season.
In a special unveiling ceremony at the company’s headquarters in the United Kingdom, Williams Racing showcased the eye-catching matte livery that will adorn their FW45 challenger during the 2023 Formula 1 World Championship season. Williams has shown off the colour scheme that will eventually be used on the FW45 car the team is currently building. Williams revealed their new look in the presence of their drivers, American Logan Sargeant and Thai-British racing driver Alex Albon. Williams’ 2023 livery bears a considerable resemblance to the colours with which it ended running in the 2022 season.
Sargeant and Albon are slated to get their first taste of the FW45 during a shakedown session at Silverstone on Monday, February 13. The event also served as a platform to announce several new partners, most notably the American oil giant Gulf Oil, whose branding is now a key feature of the car's exterior.
Gulf Oil is no stranger to the track, boasting a racing history that dates back to 1936. Over the decades, their signature blue and orange colors have become iconic across numerous racing series. While well-known in F1, the brand has also shared a history with legendary manufacturers such as Aston Martin, Porsche, McLaren, and Audi.
Williams Board Chairman Matthew Savage shared his enthusiasm regarding the Gulf Oil partnership, noting that it reflects the growing commercial appeal and strength of the team during its current transition. Savage highlighted that both Williams and Gulf possess storied legacies in motorsport, and by joining forces, they are creating a new chapter in racing history.
Following a disappointing run in 2022, Williams has undergone a structural overhaul. The team moved on from team principal Jost Capito, bringing in James Vowles, formerly the Motorsport strategy director at Mercedes. Vowles arrives with a stellar reputation, having played a pivotal role in orchestrating the strategies that led to numerous wins for the Mercedes squad.
Vowles is scheduled to start his new role at the Grove facility on February 20, just a few days before the official 2023 pre-season tests kick off at the Bahrain International Circuit.
The team has also refreshed its cockpit. While Alex Albon remains with the squad, Nicholas Latifi has been replaced by Logan Sargeant, who becomes the first American to compete in F1 since 2016.
Heading into his second year with Williams, Alex Albon expressed his eagerness for the upcoming season. He mentioned being thrilled to return to the team, noting that the car looks fantastic and he is looking forward to its first outing at Silverstone.