Williams loses Santander support and secures backing from Barclays ahead of the postponed announcement.

      "We wish them success in the future."

      Williams is set to unveil its 2026 car without one of its most recognizable partners, as it has been revealed just before the team’s online launch that Santander has ended its sponsorship of the Grove-based team. According to the Spanish newspaper Marca, the banking giant from Spain has revised its Formula 1 sponsorship strategy and will no longer be affiliated with Williams starting in 2026. Consequently, Santander and Openbank branding will be removed from the FW48 and the team’s racewear, concluding a sponsorship deal that included paddock access and client hospitality experiences.

      This news comes at an inconvenient time for Williams, as the new car - which Spaniard Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon will drive - is scheduled for a virtual reveal on Tuesday after delays caused the team to miss the entire Barcelona shakedown week. A spokesperson for Santander confirmed the separation: "We would like to thank the Atlassian Williams F1 Team for their work, professionalism, and commitment during the past season. We wish them success in the future."

      While stepping back from Williams, Santander will not be leaving Formula 1 altogether. The bank will remain the official banking partner of the championship and plans to boost its presence at selected grands prix in 2026. Its branding will be displayed on circuit lighting and static displays at eight races, including Barcelona, Silverstone, Austin, Mexico City, Sao Paulo, Las Vegas, and Miami. Santander is also anticipated to invest significantly in the new Madrid-based Spanish GP at the Madring circuit.

      Barclays will join the Williams F1 Team as the Official Banking Partner for 2026 and beyond. Atlassian Williams F1 Team and Barclays proudly announce this new global partnership, linking two British icons marked by excellence, innovation, and trust, with a focus on the future. Williams ranks as one of the top three most successful Formula 1 teams in history, boasting 114 wins, nine Constructors’ World Championships, and seven Drivers’ World Championships over its 48-year existence. The team is joining forces with Barclays, a renowned bank with over 325 years of history and trusted by millions in over 40 countries.

      Barclays will serve as the Official Banking Partner to Williams as Formula 1 enters a new regulatory era in 2026. The team has been preparing for this rule change with determination as part of its long-term strategy to return to the front of the grid, a goal that aligns with Barclays' client support approach.

      Shared characteristics between Williams and Barclays include data-driven performance and advanced analytics, precise execution, technological investment, and ongoing adaptability and innovation. This marks Barclays’ first-ever relationship in Formula 1, adding to its prominent sports partnership portfolio that includes the Premier League, Barclays’ Women’s Super League, Wimbledon, the WNBA New York Liberty, and Lord’s, the home of cricket. Barclays selected Williams as a strategic partner to help the team transform, open doors to key markets and decision-makers passionate about Formula 1, and connect with a new generation of fans—43% of whom are under 35 and 42% are female.

      Barclays branding will be prominently displayed on the FW48, Williams’ new challenger, with the racing livery set to be revealed later today. It will also appear on the helmets of drivers Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz, team apparel, and throughout the team's trackside garages and hospitality areas.

      This partnership signifies a renewed alliance between Barclays and Williams, whose iconic founder Sir Frank Williams was a customer of the bank, which has also offered banking services to the team for many years. Today’s announcement continues Williams’ commercial growth, with numerous major global brands joining the team’s mission to return to the front of the grid. In the past three years, Williams has welcomed Atlassian as Title Partner, along with several others such as Komatsu, Super Group, NMC2, VAST Data, Stephens, Airia, Brillio, Keeper Security, Zoox, and New Era. Kraken, Gulf Oil International Ltd, and Duracell have all extended their partnerships, recognizing Williams' award-winning and innovative approach. Heading into 2026, the team has announced new partnerships with Anthropic, BNY, Wilkinson Sword, and Nuveen.

      James Vowles, Team Principal of Atlassian Williams F1 Team stated, “We are excited to welcome Barclays as the Official Banking Partner to Atlassian Williams F1 Team. As we get ready for significant regulatory changes in Formula 1 history, we are eager to take advantage of the new era alongside Barclays as we continue to invest for long-term success."

      Stephen Dainton, President of Barclays Bank PLC remarked, “Our partnership with Atlassian Williams F1 Team will enhance our engagement with clients and elevate our brand across our primary markets as we expand our investment banking and wealth management relationships. Partnering with one of the most storied teams in Formula 1