In a move that’s steering the conversation from race tracks to fashion racks, Williams Racing took the Big Apple by storm, rolling out its 2024 Formula 1 car livery with a side of déjà vu. The team’s unveiling event was nothing short of a spectacle, hosted at PUMA’s flagship store on the glitzy Fifth Avenue, New York City, where the blueprints of racing ambitions were laid bare in vibrant blue.
The new car skin, a visual ode to Williams’ illustrious championship lineage, is set to be sported by dynamic duo Alex Albon and Logan Sargeant in the 2024 FIA Formula 1 World Championship. This livery isn’t just a paint job; it’s a bridge connecting the team’s golden past to its future podium dreams, wrapped up in a palette that transitions from Heritage Navy Blue to New Era Williams.
Adding to the excitement, Williams Racing announced a multi-year Principal Partnership with Komatsu, reigniting a historic alliance from the ’80s and ’90s glory days. It seems the construction and mining giant is digging deep into its partnership roots, supplying more than just nostalgic gearbox components this time around.
The event also featured a cameo appearance by 46 lucky fans, winners of a WilliamsF1.com contest, who got up close and personal with Albon and Sargeant. Meanwhile, New Yorkers and tourists are invited to catch a glimpse of the new livery parked at the PUMA store, alongside the launch of the latest Williams Racing x PUMA merchandise, for a week of fashion-meets-speed.
The FW46 car, a contemporary salute to the team’s storied past, encapsulates the spirit of victories bygone and those yet to come. With a design that nods to the iconic cars of yesteryears, including the Nigel Mansell and Keke Rosberg’s 1985 FW10 and Jacques Villeneuve’s 1997 Championship-winning FW19, the livery boasts a sleek red and white pinstripe, symbolizing Williams’ British heritage and its timeless quest for glory.
Behind the wheel, the FW46 is the first chariot fully conceived under the stewardship of Team Principal James Vowles, set to debut on the tracks of Bahrain later this month. With new partners like Komatsu and data platform provider VAST Data joining the fray, Williams Racing is turbocharging its mission to climb back to the forefront of Formula 1 racing.
As the 2024 season gears up, the team is not just racing against rivals but racing towards history, with Albon and Sargeant at the helm, ready to turn the page to a new chapter of success. Williams Racing’s saga continues, blending the lines between legacy and innovation, one lap at a time.
Specifications-
- Chassis construction: Monocoque construction laminated from carbon epoxy and honeycomb surpassing FIA impact and strength requirements
- Front suspension: Double wishbone, push-rod activated springs and anti-roll bar
- Transmission: Mercedes-AMG F1: eight-speed forward, one reverse unit with carbon fibre maincase. Sequential, semi-automatic, hydraulic activation gear selection
- Clutch: Carbon multi-plate
- Dampers: Hydraulic
- Wheels: F1 Standard Supply Component
- Tyres: Pirelli Fronts: 305/720-18, Rears: 405/720-18
- Brake system: Brembo 6 piston front and rear callipers, with carbon discs and pads
- Electronics systems: FIA SECU standard electronic control unit
- Cooling system: Aluminium oil, water, charge air, ERS and gearbox coolers
- Cockpit: Six-point driver safety harness and removable custom-formed carbon fibre seat
- Power Unit: Mercedes – AMG F1 M15 E PERFORMANCE
- Fuel injection: High-pressure direct injection (max 500 bar, one injector/cylinder), pressure charging single-stage compressor and exhaust turbine on a common shaft, max rpm exhaust turbine 125,000 rpm
- ERS: Mercedes-AMG HPP
- Weight: 798kg (FIA Minimum)
- Dimensions: Overall height: 970mm, overall width: 2000m
