Williams has unveiled its livery for the 2023 season as it strives to climb off the basement of Formula 1’s championship.
Williams rallied in 2021 to avoid last spot after three successive seasons but returned to the foot of the standings in 2022.
While its FW44 was sporadically a midfield contender, most notably at low-drag tracks, it spent much of the year bringing up the rear of the grid and opted to switch its focus to 2023.
Owners Dorilton Capital duly parted company from CEO and Team Principal Jost Capito and Technical Director ‘FX’ Demaison.
It has recruited Mercedes’ strategy chief James Vowles as its new Team Principal. He will take up his new role on February 20.
Williams has forged a new partnership with Gulf Oil, with its logos prominent on the livery, which has featured only subtle evolutions from its 2022 scheme.
Williams will enter 2023 with Alexander Albon and Logan Sargeant as its driver pairing.
Albon committed his future to Williams on a multi-year deal for 2023, having returned to the grid last season, following a year as Red Bull’s reserve driver.
Rookie driver Sargeant, fourth in last year’s Formula 2 championship, will be Formula 1’s first American driver since Alexander Rossi’s brief stint in 2015.
Williams’ new car, the FW45, will be rolled out for a shakedown at Silverstone on February 13.
“I’m really excited to be starting back for another year with the team,” said Albon. “The car looks great and will hit the track at Silverstone.
“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.”
Added Sargeant: “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.”
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