Williams and Santander sign multi-year partnership in F1

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Williams Racing has sealed a major multi-year partnership with global Spanish financial institution Santander, set to begin in 2025.

The announcement coincides with Carlos Sainz’s arrival at Williams, marking a new chapter for the Grove-based team as it continues its transformation under the guidance of team principal James Vowles.

The partnership sees Santander follow Sainz from Ferrari – where the company had been a prominent sponsor – to Williams.

As a teaser for what’s to come, the Santander logo will appear on the FW46 during Tuesday’s post-season test at Yas Marina Circuit, where Sainz will enjoy his first official outing with his new team.

“Williams Racing is proud to add Santander to our growing roster of iconic and innovative partners for 2025 and beyond,” commented Vowles.

“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.”

Read also: Santander to partner with Formula 1 following Ferrari exit

The partnership represents a significant opportunity for Santander to leverage Williams’ global platform, particularly in markets like the U.S., which hosts three F1 races annually.

Through its Openbank brand, Santander plans to offer exclusive experiences such as paddock access and driver meet-and-greets, alongside increased brand visibility.

Juan Manuel Cendoya, Global Head of Communications, Corporate Marketing and Research of Santander and Vice Chair of Santander Spain, expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming collaboration between the two partners.

“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,” said the Spanish executive.

“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 the financial institution’s recently announced multi-year deal with Formula 1 itself, further cementing its position as a key player in the sport’s sponsorship landscape.

With Sainz’s arrival and partnerships like Santander bolstering the team’s profile, Williams looks set to charge into 2025 with renewed vigor and ambition.

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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.