F1: Martini And Williams To Part Ways At The End Of 2018

Williams F1 team title sponsor Martini won't be extending its deal for 2019. A recent report by Motorsport.com suggests that the Bacardi Group brand has decided to exit Formula 1 altogether and will not renew its contract with Williams. The brand won't be tying up with another team either. The Martini brand associated with Williams in 2014 bringing its iconic white, blue and red colors on the Williams F1 car. The colors were previously seen on the Brabham cars in 1975, and later when it backed Lotus in 1979. The Williams and Martini sponsorship contract was signed for five years and involved a full rebranding exercise of the car.

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The report suggests that while Martini did discuss an extension of the contract with Williams while also speaking to other teams to keep the alive. However, the report says that the Bacardi Group believed that funding into F1 no longer aligned with the company's objectives. Hence, the group has decided to step away from F1 completely.

While the decision will be a big blow to Williams financially, the team does have a host of other sponsors to back it up including the recently added Acronis.

For the current season though, Martini will continue to work with Williams F1 and its drivers Lance Stroll, rookie Sergey Sirotkin as well as reserve driver Robert Kubica. The brand will also be celebrating the 50th year of Martini Racing with the team.