Williams drops Senna tribute on new FW44

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Williams' FW44 will not feature the team's traditional Ayrton Senna 'S' tribute logo on the car's nosecone for the first time since 1995.

Williams chief executive Jost Capito justified the change by the Grove-based outfit's will to "move into the future".

Williams showcased on Tuesday a striking revamped livery for its 2022 car which sported a blue base and lighter shades of blue as well as a bright red highlight.

But the famous Senna logo that paid tribute to the great Brazilian driver who lost his life in 1994 at the San Marino Grand Prix was conspicuously absent from the bodywork of Williams' new car.

Read also: Williams unveils striking new 2022 livery for FW44

Capito made clear that dropping the tribute was not a reflection of Williams' willingness to dismiss the memory of its late driver.

"The decision was that we want to move on in the future," Capito said. "We have a new era, we have a new car and we also refurbished our museum where we have a special area to celebrate Ayrton.

"I think we had to look now to the future and not showing the drivers the ‘S’ every time they get in the car and being reminded of what happened.

"I think it’s now time for the team to move on and be very honourable to Senna and having a very dedicated space to him in the museum to honour him there."

Capito said the decision was made without consulting the Senna family, but the German said that Williams would continue to work with the Ayrton Senna Foundation, the non-profit organisation set up by Ayron's sister, Viviane Senna, that supports underprivileged children in Brazil.

"We didn’t have a consultation or talk with the family," explained the Williams boss. "But we are working with the foundation and we will increase our efforts with the foundation and then work with the foundation how we can support the Senna foundation more.

"I think that there are more people that will benefit from this and if it can help people especially through the foundation and I think that’s a very good programme but it has to be still finally defined."

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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.