Gallery: All the angles as Williams unveil Gulf-inspired FW45 car
After months of speculation, Williams have confirmed a partnership with Gulf Oil and showcased their first car of the new partnership.
The FW45, which aims to improve on last season’s P10 finish, is coloured in the traditional blue of Williams but fans may be a little disappointed to not see a more radical change.
The iconic light blue and orange colour scheme of Gulf is on the 2023 challenger but, unlike McLaren in previous Monaco Grands Prix, Williams have only added subtle hints of the sponsor’s colour scheme.
Instead, the car is predominantly in the Williams blue, a darker shade than that of Gulf, with a new design added to the wheel covers.
The team remains in a sponsorship with Duracell and that has led to the engine cover picking up the colours of the famous battery company.
The Gulf sponsorship meanwhile is on the rear wing as well as the nose with the light blue and orange tone also featured all around the car.
PlanetF1 recommends
Exclusive: F1 drivers concerned about burnout over extended calendar
Exclusive: General Motors confirm FIA entry bid, believe their team ‘will heighten enthusiasm for F1 racing, globally’
Exclusive: Sebastian Vettel given extra time to decide on future as GPDA director
The drivers numbers are written in white with a red outline as Logan Sargeant is set to take the number two for his maiden F1 season.
Sargeant is one of two major new arrivals with former Mercedes man James Vowles also coming in to replace Jost Capito.
Speaking following the confirmation of the Gulf deal, Williams’ chairman of the board Matthew Savage said it was a partnership that would continue to make motorsports history.
“I am incredibly excited about this partnership between Williams Racing and Gulf, a renowned and trusted global brand, who have put their trust in us as a long-term partner,” Savage said.
“This signifies the strength of our brand and commercial offerings as we continue our transformation.
“Gulf and Williams Racing share an illustrious motorsport heritage and, together, we are making history with this partnership.”
