Breaking news:Ferrari ditched by key F1 ally for RIVAL team after Hamilton switch…..read more
Ferrari ditched by key F1 ally for RIVAL team after Hamilton switch…..read more
A significant change has taken place in the Formula 1 sponsorship world, with a key ally of Ferrari, Santander, making the decision to follow former Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz to his new team, Williams. This move comes after Santander and Ferrari officially announced their split earlier this year, marking the end of their partnership that had lasted since 2021. The Spanish banking giant’s shift to Williams signals a major change for both the team and Sainz, who will be racing for the Grove-based outfit in the 2025 season.
Ferrari is gearing up for a significant transformation ahead of the 2025 Formula 1 season, with several high-profile changes taking place within the team. One of the most notable shifts is the arrival of seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, who is set to replace Carlos Sainz. This move has already been widely discussed and represents a fresh start for both Ferrari and Hamilton, who is looking to reclaim his championship-winning form after spending the past years with Mercedes.
Along with Hamilton’s arrival, the Maranello team is undergoing further restructuring, with key staff members like Loic Serra and Jerome d’Ambrosio joining Ferrari from Mercedes. Both Serra and d’Ambrosio officially joined Ferrari in October, bringing with them valuable experience and expertise from their time at Mercedes. As part of the team’s restructuring, Ferrari is preparing to embark on a new era with Hamilton at the helm, alongside fresh faces in the technical and managerial roles.
One of the significant consequences of Hamilton’s arrival at Ferrari is the displacement of Carlos Sainz, who is being moved out of the team. The Spaniard, who had been a vital part of Ferrari for several years, has now signed a multi-year deal with Williams for the 2025 season and beyond. This switch marks a major shift in his career, as he moves from one of the top teams in F1 to a team that is currently working hard to improve its performance on the grid.
With Sainz’s departure from Ferrari, another significant change has emerged. Santander, a long-time sponsor of Ferrari, has chosen to follow the Spanish driver to his new team. Santander’s decision to move their partnership from Ferrari to Williams is a noteworthy development, considering that the banking giant had been prominently associated with Ferrari’s cars for the past few years. However, the end of the partnership between Ferrari and Santander was already confirmed earlier in the year, with both parties agreeing to part ways at the conclusion of the 2024 season.
In the aftermath of this split, Santander has found a new home at Williams. The Spanish bank’s branding was visible on the Williams car during the post-season tire test at the Yas Marina Circuit, where Carlos Sainz took to the track for his first outing as a Williams driver. The announcement of the partnership was made official in the lead-up to the 2025 season, with both Williams and Santander expressing excitement about the future.
James Vowles, team principal of Williams, expressed pride in the new partnership, noting the importance of adding Santander to their roster of partners. He said, “Williams Racing is proud to add Santander to our growing roster of iconic and innovative partners for 2025 and beyond. Joining forces with a global banking giant trusted by tens of millions of people around the world is another significant step in our transformation.” Vowles emphasized that this partnership would play an important role in engaging fans and furthering Williams’ ambitions as a team.
Meanwhile, Juan Manuel Cendoya, Santander’s global head of communications, also commented on the partnership, expressing enthusiasm about supporting Carlos Sainz in his new chapter at Williams. “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,” Cendoya said. He also highlighted the historic nature of Williams, describing the team as one of the most iconic in F1 with a legacy that spans several decades.
This sponsorship deal represents a new chapter for both Santander and Williams. For Santander, it marks the continuation of their involvement in Formula 1, despite the end of their long-term relationship with Ferrari. The partnership with Williams allows Santander to maintain its presence in F1 while supporting Sainz as he embarks on a new challenge with his new team. For Williams, this partnership is a significant step in their ongoing efforts to improve their competitiveness in the sport and to build a more robust and attractive team for both fans and potential sponsors.
In conclusion, the move of Santander from Ferrari to Williams is a significant development in Formula 1’s sponsorship landscape. It comes at a time of considerable change within Ferrari, with the team preparing for a new era under the leadership of Lewis Hamilton. For Sainz, the partnership with Santander will be an important part of his journey with Williams, as the team looks to make strides toward improving its position on the grid. The deal also signals the importance of strong partnerships in the modern era of F1, as teams work to secure the resources they need to compete at the highest level.
About The Author
