“Latifi took his companies with him” – Fans react as Williams F1 team loses out on various sponsors after parting with Nicholas Latifi
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The Williams Racing logo on the FW44
The Williams F1 team is currently going through a phase of development. The iconic team was sold by the Williams family in 2020 after financial struggles. The new owners, Dorilton capital started out with a plan to reestablish Williams as a competitive team on the F1 grid as they invested millions of dollars. These new funds finally allowed the British team to stop its dependence on pay drivers as it decided not to extend its contract with Nicholas Latifi.
Nicholas Latifi is a Canadian racing driver who had immense backing from sponsors such as Lavazza and Sofina. However, the Williams F1 team opted to replace Latifi with Logan Sargeant for 2023. Thus, this showed Latifi’s affiliated companies the exit door as they ended their sponsorship deals with Williams for the on-coming season. The team’s official website recently removed various companies from its partners’ list.
A total of 7 brands have left the team including Virtua. Virtua had previously signed a long-term deal with the Williams F1 team during the Miami Grand Prix weekend. The exit of Virtua however, might not be related to Nicholas’s departure. The other brands include Honibe, MEI Rigging and Crafting, B&R Industrial Automation, and Versa Integrity Group. It is certainly a major blow to the Williams F1 team and its finances. This was also after the exit of Jos Capito as Team Principal of Williams.
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Fans skeptical about the future of the Williams F1 team
After this was posted on Twitter, fans expressed their views. One user stated their belief about the team eventually being resold to another owner and losing its identity. The user replied, “Slowly I believe that it’s only a matter of time when the team is sold to a new owner and renamed.” While another fan rightly pointed out Nicholas Latifi’s exit as the cause behind this. The fan said, “Latifi took his companies with him”
Another fan mentioned how this loss of sponsors was because of the team’s unsuccessful campaign in F1. The fan said, “Tough to hold onto sponsors when you finish last. No surprise and Sofina and Lavazza of course.” While one fan looked at the silver lining of Duracell staying on board with the Williams F1 team. The fan tweeted, “At least Duracell stays. Those air intakes designed like the batteries was very cool.” Thus, at least Alex Albon and Logan Sargeant would have a good-looking car in 2023.
The Williams F1 team has not had a good 2022 season. This loss of partners will be a blow to the owners of Dorilton Capital. However, the team cannot be let down by this setback. As it must work towards improving its pace this year to regain its position in the midfield, The team’s new driver lineup is definitely exciting and we do expect to see progress this season. Although the team still needs to find a new leader for the future.
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Armaan Agarwal
(2310 Articles Published)