Williams and Santander announced a multi-year partnership on Monday, set to commence in 2025 in line with the arrival of Carlos Sainz to the Grove-based Formula 1 outfit.
Sainz jumped into the Williams FW46 for the first time for a filming day on Monday at the Yas Marina Circuit and is scheduled to participate in Tuesday’s post-season test.
The Spaniard has ended a four-year association with Ferrari, making his first tentative steps with Williams ahead of his multi-year deal starting proper next year.
Santander has followed Sainz from Ferrari to Williams, and the banking firm will see its logo featured on the FW46 for this week’s running.
“Williams Racing is proud to add Santander to our growing roster of iconic and innovative partners for 2025 and beyond,” shared James Vowles, Team Principal, Williams Racing.
“Joining forces with a global banking giant trusted by tens of millions of people around the world is another significant step in our transformation and we look forward to working with Santander to engage and excite fans in the years ahead.”
Per Williams’ press release, Santander will use Williams “as a global platform to connect with customers, offering exclusive experiences with access to the paddock and driver events, and to increase its brand visibility especially in the US where there are three F1 races and the team will showcase Santander’s Openbank brand.
“Santander or Openbank branding will feature on the FW47, driver helmets and team clothing throughout 2025.”
Juan Manuel Cendoya, Global Head of Communications, Corporate Marketing and Research of Santander and Vice Chair of Santander Spain, said: “We are delighted to partner with Williams Racing with a tactical agreement that allows us to keep offering exclusive experiences to our customers and continue to support Carlos Sainz in his new stage.
“This is one of the most historic teams with the greatest legacy in F1, and complements our role as the official retail banking partner of the competition with a focus on our main markets.”
Santander’s partnership with Williams follows its recently agreed multi-year deal with F1 itself, which was announced in September.
READ MORE – How Carlos Sainz plans to use final Ferrari F1 laps to help Williams improve
