Martini to step away from F1 at the end of 2018

©WRI2

Williams Racing and Martini will end their five-year partnership at the end of 2018 as the iconic brand departs Formula 1.

The famous Martini Racing colors of the celebrated cocktail brand enjoyed a prominent presence in motor racing in the seventies, mainly with the Brabham and Lotus F1 teams as well as with Porsche in endurance racing.

The company returned to F1 in 2014 following a major sponsorship agreement with Williams.

According to reports from Motorsport.com, Martini initially pondered an extension of its deal with the Grove-based outfit or an involvement with another team in the future, but it has ultimately decided to move away from Grand Prix racing.

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"We have discussed extending beyond 2018," Williams deputy team principal Claire Williams told Motorsport.com.

"While we would both like to do so, the Bacardi Group have told us that they will step away entirely from Formula 1 when our contract expires at the end of this year.

"They have many brands to support and obviously their strategic priorities evolve over time."

Williams is likely to be a bit "shaken but not stirred" by the prospect of losing its major partner, as it still benefits from a healthy portfolio of partners, the last of which, Acronis, was just added to the team's pool of sponsors.

The British outfit also enjoys an influx of funds from Lance Stroll's father, Lawrence Stroll, as well as from Sergey Sirotkin's backers, Russian bank SMP.

"A strong partner community is central to our operation," commented Williams.

"I wouldn't assume that we would prioritise title partnership above anything else".

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.