Ferrari ditched by key F1 ally for RIVAL team after Hamilton switch....

Ferrari ditched by key F1 ally for RIVAL team after Hamilton switch…read more

A significant shift has occurred in Formula 1, as a major sponsor has made the decision to switch allegiance from Ferrari to Williams Racing, following the move of former Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz. This marks a pivotal change in the relationship between the sponsor and the two teams, with the sponsor now preparing to align themselves with Sainz at Williams in a multi-year partnership set to begin in 2025.

The sponsor in question is Santander, the Spanish banking giant, which had been a key partner for Ferrari since 2021. During this period, their branding had prominently featured on Ferrari’s cars, and they played an important role in the team’s operations. However, in September of this year, it was confirmed that Santander would end its partnership with Ferrari after the 2024 season, signaling a change in both the team’s sponsorship landscape and their future ambitions. Santander has now shifted its focus to Williams Racing, and their branding was seen on the Williams car during the post-season tyre tests at the Yas Marina Circuit.

This move comes at a time of major changes for Ferrari, as the team prepares for a new era with several personnel shifts ahead of the 2025 season. One of the most notable changes is the arrival of seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, who is set to replace Carlos Sainz. Hamilton’s switch to Ferrari is a bold step as the British driver looks to reignite his title aspirations with a team that has struggled in recent years to mount a serious challenge to Red Bull’s dominance.

In addition to Hamilton, Ferrari is also bringing in several new team members, including Loic Serra and Jerome d’Ambrosio. Both of these individuals made the move from Mercedes to Ferrari in October 2023, and they are expected to play a key role in shaping the team’s future direction. The introduction of these new figures at Ferrari signals the team’s intent to make significant strides in the coming years, with the hope of returning to championship contention.

On the other hand, Williams Racing is entering a period of transformation as well. The team has been working hard to improve its performance, and this new sponsorship deal with Santander is seen as a vital step in their ongoing revival. Williams has been known for its historic legacy in F1, with the team having won multiple championships in the past. However, in recent years, they have struggled to maintain competitiveness, often finding themselves at the back of the grid. The partnership with Santander is expected to provide the necessary support to accelerate their development and bring them back into the mix.

James Vowles, Williams’ team principal, expressed his excitement about the new partnership, stating that the team is proud to add Santander to its roster of partners. Vowles emphasized that the collaboration with the global banking giant is a crucial part of Williams’ ongoing transformation and growth. He also highlighted the importance of engaging with fans and providing them with exciting experiences in the years ahead.

Santander, for its part, is enthusiastic about the partnership with Williams and the opportunity to continue its support for Carlos Sainz in his new chapter. The bank’s global head of communications, Juan Manuel Cendoya, also made it clear that this partnership aligns with their role as the official retail banking partner of Formula 1, focusing on key markets and providing exclusive experiences to their customers.

With the start of the 2025 season on the horizon, both Ferrari and Williams are entering a crucial phase of rebuilding and rebranding. Ferrari is hoping that their changes, including the acquisition of Hamilton, will elevate them back to the front of the grid. Meanwhile, Williams will be hoping that the combination of new sponsorship deals and a promising driver lineup will help them regain their former glory. The partnership between Santander and Williams is just one of many elements that will play a role in shaping the future of these two teams in Formula 1.

This shift in sponsorship and the changing dynamics within both teams will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the F1 landscape in the coming years. The re-alignment of sponsors, drivers, and staff points to a period of intense competition and new opportunities, as teams strive to adapt to the rapidly evolving world of Formula 1 racing.