Major sponsor Philips to leave Williams

One of Williams’ major sponsors has revealed it is leaving the British team at the end of the season.

The Royal Bank of Scotland (RBS) is also leaving Grove based Williams after next Sunday’s Abu Dhabi grand prix, and it is rumoured that AirAsia and McGregor are set to follow suit.

And a Dutch media report said Philips, the Dutch electronics multinational, has decided not to renew its contract beyond 2010.

Presently, Philips – a team sponsor for five years – has significant branding on the rear wing of the FW32, so the news is a big blow to the independent team.

“We have been pleased with our partnership with Williams,” said Patrick Overwijk, Philips’ global sponsorship manager.

“The reason we are stopping the sponsorship has nothing to do with Williams,” he told formule1.nl.

“Philips has decided to withdraw from formula one in order to pursue a different kind of sponsorship,” he explained.

Williams has been contacted for comment.

 © RIF | GMM