Williams rebranded as Atlassian Williams Racing, Cadillac plans $150m factory in North Carolina, and other big updates

Williams rebranded as Atlassian Williams Racing after sponsorship deal

Williams has a new title sponsor, Atlassian, and will now be called Atlassian Williams Racing. This is its first title partnership since the failed Rokit deal in 2019. Atlassian will provide software and AI tools to help modernize the team, which team boss James Vowles says is important for their progress. The 2025 car will be shown with a special livery on February 14, and the final design will be revealed next week in London.

Click here to read the full article by Scott Mitchell-Malm (the-race.com)

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Cadillac plans $150m factory in North Carolina

Cadillac is building a new facility in Concord, North Carolina, to make its own Formula 1 engine and plans to move in by 2027. The team will use Ferrari engines in 2026 before switching to its own in 2028. The 204,045-square-foot facility will cost around $65-70 million, plus another $65-70 million for equipment, and will be near Hendrick Motorsports. The project will create 300-350 jobs and connect to GM’s existing facility and Andretti Global’s base in Silverstone.

Click here to read the full article by Jake Nichol (racingnews365.com)

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McLaren extends contract with aero chief Prodromou

McLaren has extended Peter Prodromou’s contract as part of its long-term commitment to key team members. Andrea Stella said Prodromou played a big role in McLaren’s success, as he helped them win the 2024 Constructors’ Championship. Prodromou thanked Zak Brown, Stella, and his colleagues for their trust and support and reaffirmed his dedication to winning more titles. With stability and top talent in place, McLaren is reinforcing its position as a serious championship contender.

Click here to read the full article by Michael Delaney (f1i.com)

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Lessons F1 can learn from MotoGP’s season launch

MotoGP’s season launch in Bangkok had some problems, like poor planning and a DJ calling the bikes “bicycles,” but it was full of energy with loud burnouts, excited fans, and significant social media coverage. Some worried that smaller teams wouldn’t get as much attention and that traveling to one big event would be a hassle, but the excitement proved it was worth it. F1’s London launch faces similar doubts, but drivers and teams must support it because these events help keep the sport popular. Now, F1 has to ensure their event is just as exciting and reaches the right audience.

Click here to read the full article by Ben Hunt (motorsport.com)

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What you missed in the Super Bowl trailer

A new trailer for Brad Pitt’s F1 movie aired during the 2025 Super Bowl, and it wasn’t just promoting the film—it was also an ad for Formula One. Considering that Super Bowl ads typically cost a whopping $8 million for a 30-second spot, it’s clear that Apple made a massive investment to push it in the U.S.