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Less red, more blue? Williams set for new livery when F1 season restarts

29 May 2020

George Russell (GBR) Williams Racing FW43.
Formula One Testing, Day 3, Friday 28th February 2020.

When Formula 1 2020 gets back under way and the Williams FW43 rolls out of the garage it'll be sporting a shiny new livery, following the team's decision to terminate their sponsorship deal with Rokit and Rokit Drinks.

On Friday morning, Williams revealed their 2019 financial results, including the news they would be ending their relationship with the Rokit brands – which was set to run until the end of 2023 – prematurely.

The livery was overhauled for this current campaign, after Rokit had increased their commitment to the team, with red more prevalent alongside the existing blue and white.

The 2019 Williams FW42 had prominent Rokit branding, but not as much red as the 2020 livery

Martini were a major Williams sponsor from 2014-2018. The 2018 Williams F1 car is pictured above, with the inimitable Martini stripes

2013 marked the final year of navy blue and white on Williams' cars as the team had a new title sponsor on board

In 2000, Williams switched to blue and white from a more garish scheme the year before, with BMW engines behind the driver

In 1998 and 1999, Williams ran this unorthodox colour scheme...

Williams' last championships came in 1997 when they ran this now-iconic scheme

Yellow, blue and white were the colours used in Williams' halcyon days...

Four of the team's nine championships were won in the 1980s. Between 1985 and 1993, Williams ran this colour scheme with Canon as their sponsor

But sponsors Saudia and Leyland backed the team's first breakthrough, with green and white on the car from 1977-1984 as they won the 1980 and '81 constructors' titles

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The 2019 Williams FW42 had prominent Rokit branding, but not as much red as the 2020 livery

When asked by Formula1.com if the livery would change as a result, Williams said: “Obviously the livery is something that we've got to look at and when we go racing again, hopefully in July.

“F1 have put a marker in the sand for July 6, we will unveil our new livery before we hit the racetrack.”

While the final livery hasn’t been signed off, it’s believed two colours synonymous with Williams will be prevalent…

ANALYSIS: What lies ahead for Williams after shock financial news?