Breaking: Ferrari ditched by key F1 ally for RIVAL team after Hamilton’s…read more
Ferrari ditched by key F1 ally for RIVAL team after Hamilton’s…read more
A significant shift in the Formula 1 sponsorship landscape has emerged as a key sponsor of Ferrari, Santander, has decided to follow former Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz to his new team, Williams. This comes after the Spanish banking giant revealed a multi-year partnership with Williams, signaling a major move following their departure from Ferrari earlier in the year.
Ferrari is set to undergo significant changes ahead of the 2025 F1 season. Among the most notable shifts is the arrival of seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, who is set to replace Carlos Sainz. Hamilton’s decision to join Ferrari has been a highly anticipated move, as he aims to return to championship contention with the Scuderia, a team with a rich history but recent struggles on the grid. Alongside Hamilton, a number of key staff members are also making their way to Ferrari, including Loic Serra and Jerome d’Ambrosio. Both have joined from Mercedes, with Serra coming in as the new team principal and d’Ambrosio assuming a significant role within the technical staff. These appointments highlight Ferrari’s ambition to strengthen its internal structure ahead of a fresh challenge in 2025.
Santander’s decision to follow Sainz, who has been a prominent figure at Ferrari since 2021, to Williams has been a significant blow to Ferrari’s sponsorship base. Santander, which has been closely associated with Ferrari for several years, has now pledged its support to Sainz as he embarks on a new chapter with the British team. The announcement of the partnership between Santander and Williams was made official through a press release, and it marks a shift in sponsorship dynamics, as Sainz’s move to Williams further deepens the ties between the Spanish driver and his home country’s major financial institution.
For Williams, securing a deal with Santander is a major coup, given the financial backing and global exposure it brings. The partnership is expected to provide a substantial boost to the team’s resources as they continue their efforts to move up the grid. Santander’s association with Williams is expected to enhance the team’s commercial presence, particularly in Spain, where the bank has a large customer base.
Ferrari, meanwhile, will need to regroup and adapt to the changes, including the departure of such a key sponsor. The team’s focus will be on maximizing the potential of Hamilton and its new staff, hoping to deliver results that can restore their competitive edge and maintain the confidence of their existing sponsors.
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