It is being rumoured today that after Racing Point and BWT parted ways at the end of last season, the Austrian based sponsor may be joining either Haas or Williams for the 2021 season.
Written By Ian Bruce, Edited By Umut Yelbaşı
BWT, or “Best Water Technology”, is in the field of water treatment, including drinking water systems, the pharmaceutical industry, heating and air-conditioning systems and swimming pools. They had been the title sponsor of Racing Point since 2017, when they first sponsored them in their Force India guise and created the now ‘iconic’ pink livery. During their partnership, they achieved reasonable success, with multiple podiums and an unforgettable win for Sergio Perez at the Sakhir GP last year. Due to Racing Point rebranding to Aston Martin and the obvious switch to the traditional ‘British Racing Green’ livery, the two partners have had to part ways.
There is yet to be any confirmation if BWT will actually continue as a sponsor in F1. Some rumours are suggesting that they are looking at two teams, so we can keep seeing their eye-catching colours in F1.
Haas is one option. They have had no title sponsor since the ruinous deal with the machiavellian energy drinks supplier, Rich Energy, which came to a sour end during the 2019 season. Both sides are refusing to confirm that even talks have taken place, but due to a source from Germany, the rumours have indeed gathered pace.
Mick Schumacher’s uncle, Ralf, has suggested that Mick’s new team will be carrying a new sponsor this coming season; “A sponsor has just become available, not that this particular colour comes into play with Mick”. Ralf’s son, David, has raced in the BWT colours before during his time in Formula 4, so might we see another Schumacher piloting a ‘Pink Panther’?
Williams is the other possible option, as they are currently going through a restructuring following the takeover by Dorilton Capital. The car that ran at Silverstone on Wednesday was just liveried in a plain blue, so there weren’t any clues there. The delay in actually revealing the car after this shakedown might just be to confirm sponsors, so we will see. Williams, however, has declined that any specific talks have taken place. A team spokesperson stated, “Williams Racing is shaping an exciting new brand direction and commercial strategy and this is resulting in significant interest as we begin a new era for the team. By their nature, these discussions are confidential so as a policy, we do not comment on any specifics or speculation”.
I hope that BWT stays in the sport – the flash of pink on race day brings a smile to my face. It may not go down as one of the most iconic sponsors in the sport, but it will definitely be remembered.
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