ROKiT Williams introduce its FW42 for 2019 F1 season
- Farhan Khurram
- Feb 11, 2019
- 3 min read
Updated: Feb 12, 2019
This was a live event. The article was updated as the event progressed.
Williams has finally launched their FW42, the car that will contest in the 2019 F1 season. With the car launch, Williams has also announced ROKiT as its new title sponsor, as the team will now race as ROKiT Williams Racing.
It was long being speculated, that after the departure of Martini, Williams will announce a new title sponsor. The FW42 is colored in an ROKiT's livery as the brand becomes a title sponsor of the team for 2019 and beyond. The FW42 adorns an aqua blue and white livery with prominent ROKiT sponsorship.
Williams had earlier announced on February 7th via social media, that the team will be unveiling its new car on 11th of the same month, alongside Toro Rosso.
"We share many similar values and aspirations with ROKiT; primarily putting engineering and innovation at the core of everything we do in our pursuit to be the best – the perfect platform from which to start a partnership." said the Deputy Team Principal Claire Williams.
"We are delighted to welcome ROKiT to our team as our title partner for the 2019 season and beyond.
"ROKiT is on an exciting journey in their world of telecommunications, as we are at Williams as we build the team for a successful future.
"Taking that path together will make us both stronger in our endeavours and so I can't wait to get started."
Martini was earlier a title sponsor of Williams from 2014 up until 2018. The Grove based team not only raced under the name of Williams Martini Racing, the Martini colors also adorned its livery. With the departure of the alcoholic brand, Williams needed a new title sponsor.
Williams will have two new faces at the wheel of the car in 2019. Robert Kubica is all set to make a remarkable full time F1 comeback, after recovering from his horrific and life threatening rally accident in 2011. He served in the capacity of reserve driver of Williams in 2018.
The highly rated British driver, George Russel is also all set to make his debut this season with Williams. George has an excellent junior category record and won the Formula 2 title in 2018 after a season long battle with Lando Norris and Alexander Albon, both of whom will also debut in 2019 with McLaren and Toro Rosso respiectviely.
Jonathan Kendrich, the Chairman of ROK brands commented: “With ROKiT launching in 2019 we wanted a global platform that would help us tell our story of innovation.
"Williams Racing is the perfect partner."
"With them we can bring F1 to audiences in new and pioneering ways."
"Through our glasses-free 3D technology and our Wi-Fi capabilities, we aim to make Formula One even more accessible for all.
"Williams Racing exists purely to race in the top echelon of motor racing and we see the exciting partnership of ROKiT Williams Racing as the beginning of an ambitious and exciting road back to the podium.” he said.
Williams is a well established team in Formula 1 with a rich history and tales of success only matched by the likes of McLaren and Ferrari. The team was founded by Sir Frank Williams in 1977, since then, Williams has won a staggering 9 constructors' titles and 7 drivers' titles. The team also has 114 wins, 128 pole positions and 243 podiums to its name.
The British team had to endure a very rough and tough season in 2018. Even with Mercedes engines, the team struggled with pace and aerodynamics development. Williams finished the season dead last in terms of pace and finished 10th, at the bottom of the standings.
With former drivers, Lance Stroll switching to Racing Point and Sergey Sirotkin joining WEC; Williams will ambitiously look forward to a stronger campaign in 2019.
With Haas, Toro Rosso and Williams already launching their liveries and cars, the next team to pull off the covers is Renault, on February 12th.
Upcoming 2019 car launch dates:
February 12th | Renault
February 13th | Racing Point
February 13th | Mercedes-AMG
February 13th | Red Bull
February 14th | McLaren
February 15th | Ferrari
February 18th | Sauber
The official livery launch can be followed on Williams' website. Click here
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