Two weeks before Formula 1 official winter testing begins in Bahrain, Williams Racing unveiled the striking new livery that will grace its 2024 challenger throughout a record 24-race season on Monday.
Williams Racing introduced its new F1 challenger livery at PUMA’s Flagship store on Fifth Avenue in New York City, its new sportswear partner.
During the launch event, James Vowles, Team Principal, Williams Racing, commented: “It is a significant milestone to unveil the 2024 livery at an iconic location in New York City.
“The FW46 has been the focus of the team for many months, and there is still a tremendous effort going in from everyone at Grove to deliver our challenger for this year.”
Embodying the team’s rich heritage, the FW46’s striking electric blue color looks at a future in which progress becomes a constant, pivotal to keep building Williams’ path to the front of the Formula One grid.
The natural goal for any team is to embrace championship glory, a feeling the squad founded by visionary Frank Williams experienced nine times as a constructor, winning seven Driver’s World Championships across his unique journey at the pinnacle of motorsport.
“As we look to build on the momentum from last season, we have a driver line-up in Alex and Logan that is capable of consistently fighting for points while helping lead our development for the future,” Vowles added.
“Since joining Williams Racing a year ago, I’ve seen this team pull together to overcome a number of challenges and claim seventh in the Constructors’ Championship, which meant a great deal for everyone involved. We’ve also shown the world that we’re building the foundations for moving forward.
“Of course, there’s still a long way to go on this journey together, but I know our fans, partners, and everyone at Grove HQ are pushing as one to create new history for this iconic team.
“It will take time, but everyone’s support is integral to help drive us towards success in the years to come. I’m looking forward to seeing what this season holds for us.”
Under the leadership of Vowles, with Pat Fry as Chief Technical Officer and an unchanged drivers line-up, the team from Grove will head to Bahrain for winter testing in two weeks.
In the hands of Alex Albon and Logan Sargeant, the FW46 will make its maiden outing on track at pre-season promotional filming day on February 20 in Bahrain.
Albon, who will start his third season with the British outfit, outlined: “Coming off the back of a very positive year, we’re hoping to build on our progress into 2024, working hard to make some good steps forward in performance.”
“We’ve asked a lot of the team and the factory to get this car where it needs to be, and we’ve also slightly changed the philosophy of the car, so I’m interested to see if we can improve some of the characteristics it has historically had.
“It will require an adjustment in driving style, but I’m confident it will be a change for the better.”
Meanwhile, Sargeant, who made his debut in the series in 2023, becoming the first American driver to score a point for 30 years, stressed: “After unveiling this great livery, I’m now itching to get behind the wheel of the FW46 and keep developing as a driver.”
“I’ve had a productive off-season that has allowed me to prepare, physically and mentally, for the year ahead.”
The 23-year-old reflected on a rookie season that allowed him to gain experience. And in that regard, he asserted: “…there’s been a lot of lessons learned.”
“I’ll be looking to build on the progress I’ve made since being a part of the Williams Racing family.”
“Everyone at Grove has been working tirelessly to deliver the FW46 over the winter break. I can’t thank them enough for their hard work and the support they’ve given me. Hopefully, we can achieve some great results together in 2024.”
