Bold new look to Williams for 2019

A new title sponsor for Williams Formula 1 team has resulted in a radical new livery for the FW42.

Previously, the team had Martini Racing branding. The alcohol sponsorship first ran in 2013. But for the upcoming 2019 season, Williams has signed a deal with emerging British-based telecommunications company ROKiT.

The ROKiT deal was announced at an event at Williams’s factory, attended by team principal Claire Williams and their 2019 drivers Robert Kubica and Formula 2 champion George Russell.

The 2019 Williams is not expected to be seen until the start of pre-season testing next season.

Announcing the deal, the team described ROKiT as a “new telco brand challenging the status quo, offering premium smartphone technology, performance and design at an affordable price and installing innovative Wi-Fi networks to make the world a better place”.

Deputy team principal Williams said: “We are delighted to welcome ROKiT to our team as our title partner for the 2019 season and beyond.

“We share many similar values and aspirations with ROKiT; primarily putting engineering and innovation at the core of everything we do in our pursuit to be the best – the perfect platform from which to start a partnership.

“ROKiT is on an exciting journey in their world of telecommunications, as we are at Williams as we build the team for a successful future.

“Taking that path together will make us both stronger in our endeavours and so I can’t wait to get started.”

ROKiT co-founder Jonathan Kendrick previously worked in Formula 1 as a Goodyear tyre engineer, including on Alan Jones’s car at Williams in the 1978 season.

So a blue and white livery for Williams. A complete change from the Martini Racing colours over the last few seasons.

As for the drivers, so pleased that Robert Kubica is back in Formula 1 after many years away from the sport. It will be fascinating to see how well the 2008 Canadian Grand Prix winner will go alongside last year’s Formula 2 champion George Russell. Best of luck to Williams!