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Those distinctive Martini stripes and logo were absent for Brazil and Aub Dhabi... If Martini is gone, that might free-up some of the team's options regarding drivers.

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Short-time member, Life-Long Fan from 1965 -- More than 550 Grand Prix recorded since 1982 (all but 3), and counting...

Not sure about Brazil, but I’m 99% certain alcohol sponsorship is banned in Abu Dhabi.

Erm they stripes and logo were there as usual in Brazil (With Martini written across the rear wing) and alcohol advertisement is banned in Abu Dhabi.

I think it’s funny, the tone in your post sounds like you’re disagreeing with me, but you’ve said the same thing (Including a bit more info on the Brazilian GP I missed)

I put it down to people on this forum habitually disagreeing with me

I stand corrected, as Martini sponsorship was there in Brazil, but not in Abu Dhabi.

Those Guar Gum (champagne substitute) people miss a marketing opportunity, year after year.

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Short-time member, Life-Long Fan from 1965 -- More than 550 Grand Prix recorded since 1982 (all but 3), and counting...

Haha, I just quoted the wrong person!

This same thing has happened every year with Williams since 2014 at Abu Dhabi. And to me their car suddenly lacks its brilliant finish. I still think it is my favourite.
I miss the gold and black Lotus though.

I think Williams should have used the opportunity to sponsor Mankinis. Keep the paintwork and just replace 2 letters

We're getting dangerously close to Flavio Briatore/swimwear territory...

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You get banned, usually...

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At races in countries where the advertising of alcohol is banned (Abu Dhabi, Bahrain etc.) I seem to recall Williams do change their livery slightly, removing the central red stripe from the livery, along with the Martini roundel.

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The end is near

Interlagos


https://adn.gpupdate.net/large/317035.jpg

Abu Dhabi


https://adn.gpupdate.net/large/318239.jpg

Abu Dhabi is part of the UAE, and they are being driven towards wealth and stability. Of all the nations in that volatile corner of the globe, they manage to stay out of the headlines. The UAE is under Sharia law, thus no alcohol. Tourists may drink alcohol, but it's consumption is carefully controlled.

Williams have shown great restraint and consideration by making sure there is little subliminal connection between the different paint schemes. But then again, you do not want to offend the citizens of a nation where so much money and business flows from.

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Only dogs, mothers, and quality undergarments give unconditional support.

Little connection between paint schemes? It's identical minus the red stripe and the Martini logo.

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Do you believe that a casual observer who saw the Williams car at Abu Dhabi would make a quick connection between the blue and white paint scheme and Martini? Ferrari still maintain that connection with Marlboro.

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Only dogs, mothers, and quality undergarments give unconditional support.

Martini Zero?

To be fair, without the actual word Martini on the normal livery, I doubt many people would connect the stripes with Martini anyway!

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There is no theory of evolution, just a list of animals that Chuck Norris allows to live.

So 50+ years of motorsport sponsorship and one of the most recognisable liveries in the business gets you pretty much zero brand recognition? If that is true no company should be sponsoring motor sport.

Shades of 'Buzzing Hornets'

Ha Ha, so true...


https://static1.squarespace.com/static/ ... ormat=750w


http://www.the-border.com/images/D/BRPD1327.jpg

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Short-time member, Life-Long Fan from 1965 -- More than 550 Grand Prix recorded since 1982 (all but 3), and counting...

Yep, pretty much!

I don't know who they're aiming their advertising at, but I've worked in catering and hospitality for over 25 years now and in no way connect the Williams livery with Martini's products. I think the best way I can think of explaining it is that I personally recognise the livery with Martini sponsorship, but if you showed the William's livery (without the word Martini) to someone who doesn't watch motor sport, but does know what Martini is, and ask them what brand it is, I'd be surprised if a majority of them would know what it was.

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There is no theory of evolution, just a list of animals that Chuck Norris allows to live.