Williams signs Michelin-starred chef Niall Keating as brand associate

Ahead of the Bahrain season opener, Williams has annoucned that renowned Michelin-starred chef Niall Keating will be joining the team as a brand associate for the 2022 FIA Formula One World Championship season.

Staffordshire born Keating, 31, is one of the few chefs in the UK to have earned two Michelin stars, which he achieved before the age of 30. Niall was awarded his first star in 2018 while working at The Dining Room at Whatley Manor Hotel, Wiltshire, just eight months after opening. That same year he also won Michelin’s Young European Chef award and received a second Michelin star for The Dining Room in 2019. The following year saw him star on BBC2’s Great British Menu, where he was crowned Champion of Champions.

In January 2021, Niall, a strong advocate for sustainability in the gastronomy industry, became one of the first UK chefs to receive a Green Star, a new distinction from Michelin to recognise restaurants that are leading the way in the industry on sustainable practices.

Keating, who is proud to have recently launched his first solo venture, Lunar, in hometown Stoke-on-Trent, will join Williams Racing at eight Grand Prix events across the racing calendar and the partnership will see the chef create a set of sustainable, fine dining menus for Williams’ trackside guests. Keating will also be working closely with Williams’ Head Chef, Dan Motchman, to develop food concepts and menus for the team and special celebrations at-track.

Team Principal Jost Capito said: “I’m delighted to welcome Niall Keating to Williams Racing for our upcoming 2022 season. Niall is an exceptional chef; his experience, creativity and passion for sustainable practices make him an exciting addition to our trackside team and our hospitality offering for our guests. I can’t wait to see the amazing experiences he will create.”

Keating commented: “I’m incredibly excited to be working with Williams Racing this year. It’s humbling to know that such a prestigious team recognises an affinity in what we each do and want to achieve. There’s a similarity between a Formula 1 team and a kitchen brigade and how it all works - both follow a process based on precision, respect and challenge, and there’s little room for mistake.

"It’s been an intense few months, having left Whatley Manor and launched Lunar in Staffordshire late last year, but I’m excited for what this year holds and looking forward to be a part of this year’s Williams Racing events.”

Claudia Schwarz, Chief Marketing Officer for Williams Racing added: “We always want to provide the best experience for our guests and Niall’s quality, creative input and experience will make a terrific addition to the team as we overhaul our offering and elevate our trackside hospitality.”