Komatsu to make a return to the race track

Leading heavy equipment manufacturer, Komatsu, has signed a multi-year deal with Williams Racing to become the team’s Principal Partner from the start of the 2024 FIA Formula One World Championship (F1) season.

Komatsu was a key partner of Williams Racing in Formula One during the 1980s and 1990s, a period of abundant success for the team. The most notable achievements were in 1996 and 1997, when Komatsu supported Williams Racing to Constructors’ and Drivers’ Championships with Damon Hill and Jacques Villeneuve respectively.

With an eye to the future, both brands are excited to build on their shared history as they embark on a new era.

Through the partnership, Komatsu will be Williams Racing’s Official STEM and Early Careers Partner, Official Esports Partner and Official Construction Machinery Partner. According to Komatsu, the collaboration reflect the companies’ shared focus on the long-term development of engineering, technology and new generations of talent.

"Komatsu and Williams Racing have shared values around innovation and the development of our people,” said Hiroyuki Ogawa, President and CEO of Komatsu Ltd.

“Through our partnership we look forward to creating value together, both on and off the track. Our partnership with Williams Racing, is aligned with Komatsu’s mission to create value through manufacturing and technology innovations to empower a sustainable future where people, businesses and our planet can thrive together.”

Team Principal of Williams Racing, James Vowles, said the team is delighted to be rekindling their relationship with Komatsu.

“We have enjoyed huge success together in the past and reuniting is a significant step in Williams Racing’s long-term mission to return to the front of the grid. Both Williams and Komatsu are committed to attracting and developing the best young talent in pursuit of our goals and we look forward to working together again.”

Komatsu’s logo and branding will feature prominently on the 2024 Williams Racing livery, as well as the team’s overalls and kit, during the upcoming Formula One season.

“So many of our customers and team members look forward to the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne every year, and in 2024 they will be even more excited to see the Williams cars featuring the Komatsu logo,” said Komatsu Australia CEO, Sean Taylor.

The 2024 F1 World Championships is set to commence on March 2 at the Bahrain International Circuit in Bahrain.