For this chapter of the Williams story, perhaps it is indeed fair to judge a book by its cover. After all, the livery that the FW45 will wear in 2023 aptly reflects the current limbo in which this historic grand prix team now finds itself. The latest paint job is little more than a subtle evolution of what came before, when the cars were spotted racing at the back of the pack. Tweaks are minor rather than sweeping, in the same way that the Grove headquarters isn’t set for a major infrastructure overhaul. It won’t christen a new windtunnel and simulator like fellow heritage squad McLaren is busy building as a silver bullet to unlock performance.
Notable changes instead come in the form of a couple of absences. In deference to parting company with driver Nicholas Latifi after three seasons, the prominent stickers and backing of Sofina and Lavazza have gone and haven’t fully been replaced. Much like CEO Jost Capito and technical director Francois-Xavier Demaison leaving at the end of last year. And where there is a shiny addition, it’s barely visible, initially at least.
Forget an eye-catching blend of tangerine and zenith blue for the FW45 following a statement partnership with Gulf – there’s just a couple of small logos for the oil company on the rear wing and monocoque. Likewise, for the ‘season launch’ event last Monday, marquee team principal hire James Vowles was nowhere to be seen. The ex-Mercedes strategy director, who stepped back from the Formula 1 pitwall more recently to occupy a holistic role overseeing driver contracts and managing the manufacturer’s entire motorsport presence, won’t clock in until 20 February.
Until the Briton completes his Silver Arrows gardening leave, punches his new Oxfordshire commute into the
