Why do Williams have the name of Haas' team boss on the FW46 F1 car?

Observant viewers undoubtedly saw it straight away: the sidepod of Williams' FW46. It prominently displays the name 'Komatsu', exactly as Haas F1's new team boss is called. What's going on?

At the livery presentation, the Williams team announced they have partnered with the Japanese company. The two parties also worked together in the 1980s and 1990s, which were Williams' glory days. During that period, Komatsu provided expertise and technology to Williams, including gearbox parts for the championship-winning FW18 and FW19 cars.

Haas F1 need not fear

Both Williams and Komatsu are keen to revive the partnership and have already collaborated on the 2024 car. Komatsu's logo will feature prominently on Alex Albon and Logan Sargeant's FW46, the overalls, and the Williams team jersey.

So, at least Haas F1 need not fear that their team boss has suddenly left. The Japanese boss - recently the successor to Guenther Steiner - will simply go to work for the American team in 2024, although they will regularly see his surname pass by on the two competitor cars.