Observant viewers undoubtedly saw it straight away: the sidepod of
Williams' FW46. It prominently displays the name 'Komatsu', exactly as
Haas F1's new team boss is called. What's going on?
At the livery presentation, the
Williams team announced they have partnered with the Japanese company. The two parties also worked together in the 1980s and 1990s, which were Williams' glory days. During that period, Komatsu provided expertise and technology to Williams, including gearbox parts for the championship-winning FW18 and FW19 cars.
Haas F1 need not fear
Both Williams and Komatsu are keen to revive the partnership and have already collaborated on the 2024 car. Komatsu's logo will feature prominently on Alex Albon and
Logan Sargeant's FW46, the overalls, and the Williams team jersey.
So, at least
Haas F1 need not fear that their team boss has suddenly left. The Japanese boss - recently the successor to
Guenther Steiner - will simply go to work for the American team in 2024, although they will regularly see his surname pass by on the two competitor cars.