Williams join forces with an autonomous vehicle company

Ahead of the Las Vegas Grand Prix, Williams has announced a new partnership with Zoox, an autonomous ride-hailing company and independent subsidiary of Amazon.

The multi-year agreement between Williams and the American firm marks the first time an autonomous vehicle company has partnered with a Formula 1 team.

Zoox’s logo will appear on the Williams car for races in the United States, starting with the Las Vegas Grand Prix. In addition, the robotaxi will be present at Williams’ Fan Zone at the New York-New York hotel throughout race week, which will means that fans can get a glimpse into the future of autonomous travel.

For 2025 and beyond, Zoox will activate in Las Vegas, Austin and Miami – three cities where Zoox’s autonomous technology is currently in testing. Zoox will be welcoming its first public riders in its purpose-built robotaxi in Las Vegas starting in 2025.

The Grove-based outfit noted: "Zoox, which is re-inventing personal transportation through a purpose-built robotaxi combining cutting-edge technology and a focus on giving riders an unrivalled experience, will become an Official Regional Partner of Williams Racing in a multi-year agreement.

"This unique partnership unites two organisations determined to deliver industry-defining innovation using the most advanced technology."

Commenting on the partnership, Williams team boss James Vowles noted: “Williams Racing is excited to be bringing the future of mobility into Formula 1 and delighted to welcome Zoox as the first autonomous vehicle company to become a partner in the sport.

"At first glance this might seem an unlikely partnership – F1 is about pitting the best drivers in the world against each other, while Zoox is pioneering driverless travel – but both Williams and Zoox are operating at the leading edge of automotive technology and share core values in how we do business. We look forward to helping Zoox reach new audiences, starting in Las Vegas later this month.”

Carly Wyatt, who serves as Head of Communications & Marketing at Zoox, noted: "Partnering with Williams Racing reflects our shared values in the pursuit of performance and precision, and will allow Zoox to reach a new audience of Williams and F1 fans who embrace innovation and engineering excellence.

"This unique collaboration between a Formula 1 racing team and a robotaxi company presents an opportunity to provide deeper, behind-the-scenes insights into how these two industries are using similar cutting-edge technologies, including the latest advancements in AI, to reshape the future of both motorsports and mobility.”