The 2023 FIA Formula 1 World Championship kicks-off with the Bahrain Grand Prix on 3-5 March, with OMP continuing with Williams Racing as a partner for the 2023 season. Following a previous collaboration in the 90s, with six wins and a Constructor's title celebrated together, the brand of Racing Force Group and the historic British team signed a new deal in 2021. For the third year in row, OMP will supply Williams Racing the racewear for drivers and mechanics, and its last-spec harnesses for the car.
The FW45 is the single-seater launched by Williams Racing for the new season. It's an evolution of last year’s FW44, developed to comply with the latest technical rules variations and with aerodynamic and suspension evolution. The FW45 roll-out took place on 13 February at Silverstone Circuit, followed by the three-day collective testing at Bahrain International Circuit on 23-25 February.
There is a fresh driver pairing for this season, with Alex Albon joined by Logan Sargeant, who will make his F1 race debut in Bahrain. Logan joined the Williams Racing Driver Academy program in 2021 and has now been promoted to the race seat; the 22-year-old will be the first American competitor on the Formula 1 grid since 2015, and the first committed full-time since 2006. Logan impressed the team after a standout rookie year in the FIA Formula 2 feeder series, finishing fourth in the overall standings with two wins and two pole-positions, breaking into the title contenders' circle. He also gained F1 experience being called to drive in the Free Practice sessions for Williams Racing at Austin, Mexico City, Sao Paulo and Yas Marina.
Continuing with the team, Alex Albon is preparing for a fourth campaign as full-time driver in the top category of motorsport, the second under the Williams Racing banner. In 2022, the Thai collected points at Melbourne, Miami and Spa-Francorchamps.
Albon and Sargeant are among the 14 drivers, out of a total of 20, that will race in the 2023 FIA Formula 1 World Championship wearing Bell helmets, another brand of Racing Force Group. This year, Williams Racing driver suits also feature the Bell logo, to mark the growing synergy with OMP.
"We're proud to continue our partnership with Racing Force Group for 2023, which will see both of our drivers wear OMP fireproof race suits and Bell helmets this season. OMP's high-performance products are vital in the world of Formula 1, where cutting edge technology makes the difference in every area we operate", said James Bower, Williams Racing Commercial Director.
Under its continued transformation process, Williams Racing has welcomed James Vowles as Team Principal. James brings more than two decades of F1 experience and has been instrumental in securing nine F1 Constructors' championships and has overseen over 120 race victories.