The name of Haas’ new team principal, Komatsu, is emblazoned on the new Williams FW46, but what’s it all about?
When the new Williams FW46 for the 2024 Formula 1 season was presented to the public on Monday afternoon, many a fan might have raised an eyebrow and wondered: Why is there the name of the new Haas team principal on the side box? The Haas team itself asked the same question in a post addressed to Williams on X.
Because “Komatsu” is emblazoned in large letters on the side box of the FW46 – just like Ayao Komatsu, who replaced Günther Steiner as team principal at Haas in January. The Japanese driver and his team will therefore have to race against a car with his own name on it in 2024. But what’s that all about?
First things first: apart from the fact that they both come from Japan, the Haas boss and the new Williams sponsor have nothing to do with each other. According to the team itself, the new multi-year partnership is “a proud resumption of a long-standing relationship”.
After all, the two were already partners in the 1980s and 1990s, Williams’ most successful period in Formula 1. During this time, Komatsu provided Williams with know-how and technology, including transmission parts for the winning FW18 and FW19 cars.
“Both Williams and Komatsu will rekindle their legacy at a pivotal time in the sport, working together to usher in a new era of success in 2024 and beyond,” said the team.
Komatsu General Manager Hiroyuki Ogawa said: “Komatsu and Williams Racing have shared values in terms of innovation and the development of our people, and we look forward to creating value together through our partnership, both on and off the track.”
“Our partnership with Williams Racing is in line with Komatsu’s mission to create value through manufacturing and technology innovation to enable a sustainable future where people, businesses and our planet can thrive together,” he said.
The new sponsor is known as a leading global company that manufactures and sells construction and mining machinery, commercial vehicles (compact equipment), forestry machinery, industrial machinery and others.
The Komatsu logo will be featured on the FW46 of Alexander Albon and Logan Sargeant, as well as on Williams’ driver overalls and team clothing