Gulf Oil and Williams Collaborate on Unique F1 Livery for Brazilian Grand Prix
London, UK — Williams Racing has partnered with Gulf Oil to launch the "Driven by Words" campaign, inviting fans to contribute to a one-off Formula 1 livery for the upcoming Brazilian Grand Prix in São Paulo. This initiative was announced during a special event in Piccadilly Circus, with participation from Gulf Oil International CEO Mike Jones, Williams team principal James Vowles, and driver Alex Albon.
The campaign diverges from traditional voting on design elements; instead, fans can submit up to five words daily that capture their sentiments towards Williams and Gulf. These words will form a unique design featuring bold typography, merged with Gulf’s signature blue and orange colors, to be displayed on the FW47 driven by Albon and Carlos Sainz in November.
Entries are open until August 25 and can be submitted in any language, emphasizing Williams’ global fanbase. This collaborative project aims to deepen the emotional bond between the team and its supporters, leveraging the success from a previous initiative that garnered over 180,000 votes for the Gulf x Williams livery.
In a statement to Autosport Business, Albon noted he would submit the word "Susu," a Thai expression signifying good luck, symbolizing his cultural heritage. Vowles emphasized the significance of "heritage" as a reflection of the team’s and Gulf Oil’s longstanding values, saying, "It fits me. I remember Gulf from years ago as a representation of motorsport as a whole."
Jones remarked on the partnership’s evolution, addressing initial concerns: "It was a bit of a risk for us, because Williams were at the bottom at that moment… But we felt this was a team that could really climb back to the top," indicating a shared ambition for success.
Gulf’s initiatives, including the one-off liveries, are seen as mutually beneficial for all partners involved, with heightened sponsor visibility and engagement during special events. Jones recounted feedback from sponsors who recognized Gulf’s contribution to enhanced exposure, affirming the value of such collaborations.
The new livery, driven by fan involvement, is set to generate considerable attention as part of Williams’ ongoing journey to return to competitive form in Formula 1.
