Williams Racing unveils 2023 car and partnership

6 February 2023

Williams Racing has unveiled its 2023 livery as it announces a new multi-year partnership with Gulf Oil International.

The vibrant colours of Gulf will feature on the new FW45 for the 2023 FIA Formula One World Championship season.

The 2023 livery design is an evolution of the FW44, retaining the brand’s contrasting diamond shape and flashes of red and blue, embodying the new era of Williams Racing.

The livery for our 2023 challenger. Bring on the season 👊#WeAreWilliams pic.twitter.com/Sy79jtMp9w

— Williams Racing (@WilliamsRacing) February 6, 2023

The FW45, which will be rolled out on 13th February, is an evolution of the FW44. The floor edges have been raised to satisfy the updated 2023 FIA Technical Regulations and the team has taken the opportunity to heavily evolve the sidepod concept, which has been made possible by optimising the power unit cooling layout.

There are also modifications to the front suspension layout as well as the major external aerodynamic surfaces.

As a result, the FW45 is more aerodynamically efficient than the FW44, with more overall downforce and improved handling characteristics.

The 2023 Pirelli tyres are an evolution of the 2022 version and the FW45 is optimised to the improved characteristics of the new tyres.

“I’m really excited to be starting back for another year with the team,” Alex Albon explained before embarking on his sophomore year with the team.

“The car looks great and will hit the track at Silverstone.

Logan Sargeant will be ready for his rookie season in F1 and is looking forward to what lies ahead in 2023.

“I’m really excited for the season to get started after what, for me, feels like a long winter,” the 22-year-old shared.

“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.”

Gulf Oil International’s partnership with Williams Racing is a significant signing as the team continues its transformative journey and demonstrates the new era of commercial strength at the team since its acquisition by Dorilton Capital.

Mike Jones, CEO, Gulf Oil International, said: “Gulf has a proud history in motorsport with some of the most iconic and respected teams, and Williams Racing is no exception.

Together we share decades of motorsport experience to bring motorsport, Formula 1 and Williams Racing fans closer to the sport they love through our partnership.

The partnership will extend beyond the Formula 1 team as, in addition, Gulf will partner the Williams Racing Driver Academy and Williams Esports to ensure Gulf can reach new audiences and play a role in the success stories of younger generations.

James Bower, Commercial Director for Williams Racing, said, “Our partnership demonstrates the ongoing effort by the team to develop our brand and commercial proposition.”

Alongside Gulf Oil, Williams Racing has also partnered with Stephens, Michelob ULTRA and PureStream.