Williams Racing has unveiled the team’s FW46 livery in the heart of New York City at PUMA’s Flagship store on Fifth Avenue. The overall look of the car that will be driven by Alex Albon and Logan Sargeant in the upcoming 2024 FIA Formula 1 World Championship was darker than the previous year. The press release proudly announced the striking blue livery ‘links Williams’ championship-winning heritage with its mission to return to the front of the grid’ and was revealed in the heart of New York City at PUMA’s Flagship store on Fifth Avenue.
Williams Racing also announced a new multi-year Principal Partnership with Komatsu, a leading manufacturer of construction, mining, forestry, and industrial heavy equipment. This news brought a smile to the face of long-term fans of the Grove based manufacturer as the two previously joined forces in the 1980s and 1990s. Most notably supplying gearbox components to Williams’ title-winning 1996 and 1997 cars. No doubt the fans will be hoping for similar success in the years to come. Komatsu’s logo will unsurprisingly feature prominently on the FW46 driven by Alex Albon and Logan Sargeant, as well as driver overalls and Williams Racing team kit which also have a new look for the upcoming season.
Hiroyuki Ogawa, CEO and President, Komatsu stated: “Komatsu and Williams Racing have shared values around innovation and the development of our people, and through our partnership we look forward to Creating Value Together, both on and off the track. Our partnership with Williams Racing is aligned with Komatsu’s mission to create value through manufacturing and technology innovations to empower a sustainable future where people, businesses and our planet can thrive together.“
In the day’s prior on the team’s social media, a video had been released of Alex Albon reacting to seeing the FW46 livery for the first time. The remarks had seen the racer say: “I like it. It’s an evolution of last year. The blue is still very prominent, we’ve got more sponsors – that’s a good thing. I can see there’s some more details in the livery. So, I can see without giving away too much, some subtle things but it looks good. The main thing, it looks fast. I said that last year but this one’s faster. I think it looks ready to go racing.”
In today’s remarks, Albon reflected on coming off the back of ‘a very positive year’.
“We’re hoping to build on our progress into 2024, working hard to make some good steps forward in performance.” explained Albon. “We’ve asked a lot of the team and the factory to get this car where it needs to be, and we’ve also slightly changed the philosophy of the car, so I’m interested to see if we can improve some of the characteristics it has historically had. It will require an adjustment in driving style but I’m confident it will be a change for the better.”
Teammate Logan Sargeant described the livery as ‘great‘ and also made clear how much he was “itching to get behind the wheel of the FW46 and keep developing as a driver.”
“I’ve had a productive off season that has allowed me to prepare both physically and mentally for the year ahead. Taking the time to properly reflect on my rookie season, there’s been a lot of lessons learned and experience gained that can only benefit me as I enter this new season.
“I know my goals this year. I’ll be looking to build on the progress I’ve made since being a part of the Williams Racing family. I intend to help contribute more to the team’s success. Everyone at Grove has been working tirelessly to deliver the FW46 over the winter break. I can’t thank them enough for their hard work and the support they’ve given me. Hopefully we can achieve some great results together in 2024.” concluded Sargeant.
Meanwhile, Team Principal at Williams Racing, James Vowles, who was able to attend the FW46 livery launch in person this time – having missed last year’s due to not yet officially starting with the team – remarked: “It is a significant milestone to unveil the 2024 livery at an iconic location in New York City. The FW46 has been the focus of the team for many months and there is still a tremendous effort going in from everyone at Grove to deliver our challenger for this year. As we look to build on the momentum from last season, we have a driver line-up in Alex and Logan that is capable of consistently fighting for points while helping lead our development for the future.
The FW46 is the first car fully developed under the leadership of Team Principal James Vowles, it will make its track debut at a pre-season promotional filming day in Bahrain on 20 February ahead of the Official Pre-Season test, beginning on 21 February. Vowles reflected on the changes he has seen since arriving at the team.
“Since joining Williams Racing a year ago, I’ve seen this team pull together to overcome a number of challenges and claim seventh in the Constructors’ Championship, which meant a great deal for everyone involved. We’ve also shown the world that we’re building the foundations for moving forward.
“We’ll continue to strengthen the team both on and off the track through improvements to our infrastructure, investing in our people, and attracting fantastic new partners like Komatsu. Of course, there’s still a long way to go on this journey together but I know our fans, partners and everyone at Grove HQ is pushing as one to create new history for this iconic team. It will take time, but everyone’s support is integral to help drive us towards success in the years to come. I’m looking forward to seeing what this season holds for us.”
These comments present a positive outlook which will no doubt bring a smile to the face of any Williams Racing fan eager to see their team back battling in the midfield…and beyond. Meanwhile, the Duracell branding appears on the airbox which is certain to please everyone.
