The ROKiT Williams Racing Formula One (F1) team has announced it has reached an agreement with the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) that will see it become the team’s latest commercial partner for the upcoming 2020 season.
As a result, access will be granted for the global financial institution’s logo to feature on the nose of the FW43 cars, throughout the team’s garage, hospitality areas and teamwear as well as on the race suits of its drivers, George Russell and Nicholas Latifi.
Claire Williams, deputy team principal of Williams Racing, stated: “Formula One is a sport on a world stage and we’re proud to partner with a global financial institution that is passionate about helping young athletes achieve success in all forms of sport.”
Through the sponsorship of the Williams team, RBC also furthers its relationship with the debuting Latifi who has been an ambassador for the company since 2014.
Matt McGlynn, vice president, brand marketing, at RBC, added: “Unlocking the potential of youth and young athletes is a priority at RBC, and this partnership will allow us to continue to support talented Canadian racer Nicholas Latifi as he makes his debut this spring with Formula One.”
The announcement follows a hectic period for Williams which has seen it lose major partners such as Unilever’s Rexona and Polish petroleum firm PKN Orlen.
Both sponsors left for pastures new within the sport, with Orlen announcing a co-title sponsorship agreement with the Alfa Romeo Racing team and Unilever unveiling a multi-year technical partnership with British rivals McLaren.
As well as losing Orlen to Alfa Romeo, Williams also saw former driver Robert Kubica follow the petroleum brand to the Romeo racing team after the polish racer confirmed he would leave the British outfit earlier in 2019.
At the time Kubica commented: “I am really happy to be starting this new chapter in my career as I join Alfa Romeo Racing ORLEN. This team holds a special place in my heart and I am pleased to see some faces still here from my years in Hinwil.
“Time and circumstances are obviously different, but I am convinced that I will find the same determination and hunger to succeed. I am looking forward to helping Alfa Romeo Racing ORLEN make the next step forward.”
Despite its sponsorship losses, Williams also recently announced the extension of its partnership with Canadian food manufacturer Sofina Foods as well as the signing of a new deal with Italian coffee company Lavazza – long-time backer of new driver Nicholas Latifi.
