Button: Atlassian deal shows Williams 'big shift' and progress

02/17/2025 04:26 AM

Williams F1 ambassador Jenson Button believes the British outfit's new big money title partnership deal with Atlassian is a testimony to the team's progress and transformation.

Williams team principal James Vowles characterized the Grove-based outfit's recently announced partnership with the Australian tech company as the biggest deal in the team's history and one of the most significant in Formula 1.

It certainly underscores Williams' growing appeal under Vowles' leadership and Dorilton's ownership. Atlassian's arrival, alongside the signing of Carlos Sainz from Ferrari, clearly signals the team's bold ambitions to move up the grid.

"It just shows the progress that this team has been making over the years to land such a big partner as Atlassian, it is a big deal," commented Button last Friday at Silverstone.

"They can see where this team is going, they can see the leadership of this team and how they've turned it around over the last few years.

"With the new owners, it is a big shift for this team but still having that family atmosphere at Williams is really, really special.

Button notes changes to FW47

Last week's unveiling of the FW47 also showcased the team's determination to innovate ahead of the 2025 season. While significant regulation changes loom in 2026, Button noted that Williams has made a surprising number of updates to its car.

"First of all, looks beautiful, it really does," he remarked. "As you guys probably know, there's not going to be massive changes with any F1 cars in 2025, but there seems to be quite a lot of changes to the FW47, which is great to see."

One of the key areas of focus for Williams has been improving performance in high downforce corners and refining the car's sensitivity—factors critical to driver confidence and consistency.

"Sensitivity meaning with the downforce, it's very easy to have a peak downforce level which is always exciting to see the number," Button explained.

"But it's the usable downforce that you really want to have. So in corner downforce, laterally loaded downforce, and entry into corners, which gives the drivers a lot of confidence."

Vowles, who has been instrumental in revitalizing the team since his arrival, echoed Button's sentiments, highlighting the transformative changes across every area of the car.

"Every area I look at in the car is just a world of difference for me from where we were before," Vowles said.

Aiming High for 2025 and Beyond

As the team enters the final year before the new regulations, the combination of technical upgrades, strategic hires, and a marquee sponsorship deal has reinvigorated the Grove-based squad.

Once again, Button sees the current trajectory as a sign of greater things to come.

"Everyone here is not just here because of their job, but they're passionate about motor racing," Button emphasized. "All of that together, we're going to see great progress in this team."

With Atlassian's backing, a strong leadership team, and the technical prowess of Vowles steering the ship, Williams is gearing up for an exciting new chapter.

For Button and the Williams faithful, 2025 promises to be a pivotal season in their long-awaited revival.

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