With nine Constructor Championships and seven Drivers Championships to their name, Williams Racing ought to be a revered name in the world of Formula One (F1). Currently, it is not. Known for being fast on the straights and unreliable in every other racing aspect, Williams ended seventh in the 2023 Constructors Championship and one of their drivers, Logan Sargeant, ended at the bottom of the Driver Standings with one point — earned by benefiting from the disqualification of other drivers and not his own race results.
Williams launched the FW46 on Feb. 5, revealing its black and blue livery and their drivers’ new white race suits. The launch ceremony was held in New York City, in another display of F1’s attempt to appeal to American fans. The team also benefits from having Sargeant as their driver, as he is the only American currently competing in F1. He is about to enter his second season in the sport, and his teammate, Thai driver Alexander Albon, is entering his sixth year in F1 and his third with Williams.
The 2024 livery features the team’s modern dark blue shade and a lighter shade reminiscent of their championship-winning days in the ‘80s and ‘90s. The car also features sections of exposed black carbon fiber, but fans can be happy that this particular team at least bothered to paint the nose. The side pods also feature white and red stripes to honor English founder Sir Frank Williams, who passed away in 2021. The design highlight of the car remains the mock Duracell battery on the car’s airbox, which remains unchanged from the previous season.
Duracell has been one of Williams’ sponsors since 2022, but this year, the team welcomes back Komatsu as their principal partner, who sponsored their team during their glory days. Their collaboration with the equipment manufacturer is a step towards a more successful future for the team. Williams is also sponsored by big names like Gulf Oil International, Michelob Ultra and PUMA.
Team Principal James Vowles is on a mission to return the team to the top, with great expectations for Albon and Sargeant. Williams Racing was a championship-winning team once, and after many years of floundering in the middle of the grid, they are finally working on becoming one again.
