The Williams Formula 1 team has confirmed a multi-year sponsorship agreement with Estrella Galicia 0,0, the non-alcoholic Spanish beer brand that has supported Carlos Sainz for many years. This partnership will officially begin with the 2026 F1 season, marking a significant new chapter for both Williams and the renowned sponsor.
This announcement follows reports that Williams ended its previous alliance with Santander, another longstanding sponsor linked to Sainz, clearing the way for Estrella Galicia’s expanded involvement with the team.
Estrella Galicia’s Longstanding Support for Carlos Sainz Comes Full Circle
Estrella Galicia has backed Carlos Sainz since the latter stages of his junior racing career in 2013, maintaining a continuous presence through his various F1 teams. This includes his time with Toro Rosso, Renault, McLaren, Ferrari, and most recently, Williams. The brand’s association with Sainz highlights their commitment to supporting his progression in motorsport over more than a decade.
During Sainz’s debut season with Williams in 2025, Estrella Galicia 0,0 logos were prominently displayed on his crash helmet while he secured two podiums in Azerbaijan and Qatar. The transition from a personal sponsor to an official team partner in 2026 represents a strategic deepening of their relationship with Williams.
Williams’ 2026 Lineup Includes Carlos Sainz and Alex Albon with Prominent Branding
For the upcoming 2026 season, Williams will field Carlos Sainz alongside Alex Albon, both of whom will feature Estrella Galicia branding on their helmets. The sponsorship deal also incorporates the appearance of Estrella Galicia 0,0 logos on the new FW48 car, specifically on the halo and rear wing endplates.
Williams confirmed that the partnership will extend to hospitality venues during European races, where Estrella Galicia 0,0 will be served. Furthermore, the team anticipates additional placements for the brand on Sainz’s helmet design, reaffirming its prominent presence throughout the season.
Williams team principal James Vowles expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating,
“With an all-new car, new regulations, and a new race in Madrid, there’ll be plenty for Atlassian Williams F1 Team to celebrate with Estrella Galicia 0,0 this season.”
It is great to have them join Williams and cheer us on in this exciting moment for both the team and the sport.
?James Vowles, Williams team principal
Estrella Galicia’s Vision Aligns with Williams’ Racing Ambitions
Ignacio Rivera, executive president of Corporación Hijos de Rivera, the parent company behind Estrella Galicia, highlighted the shared values between the sponsor and the team. He described the partnership as “a natural step” that unites two organizations with mutual respect for history, a passion for innovation, and ambition for growth through authenticity.
We are looking forward the beginning of the season to build the success of this partnership.
?Ignacio Rivera, executive president, Corporación Hijos de Rivera
Estrella Galicia’s emphasis on supporting talent, celebrating heritage, and challenging norms positions the brand as a fitting partner for Williams during a transformative period marked by new regulations and fresh opportunities on the F1 calendar.
Shift in Sponsorship After Santander Partnership Ends
The arrival of Estrella Galicia 0,0 as a primary sponsor comes shortly after Williams parted ways with Santander, a significant financial sponsor connected with Sainz. Williams had announced a multi-year deal with Santander in late 2024, coinciding with Sainz’s first drive of a Williams car during a post-season test in Abu Dhabi.
Previously, Santander had backed Ferrari during the majority of Sainz’s tenure with the Scuderia from 2022 to 2024. Despite this continuity, Santander’s partnership with Williams lasted only one season, ending ahead of the 2026 campaign.
Williams introduced Barclays as their official banking partner for 2026, following the conclusion of the Santander deal, signaling a shift in the team’s commercial affiliations.
A Williams spokesperson extended gratitude to Santander:
We would like to thank Santander for their support and partnership over the past year – our most successful season since 2016 – and wish them well for the future.
Santander also acknowledged the collaboration, stating:
We would like to thank Atlassian Williams F1 Team for the collaboration over the past year and we appreciate the professionalism and commitment shown throughout our time as partners.
We wish them continued success in the future.
Despite Santander’s withdrawal from team sponsorship, the brand remains involved in F1 through race sponsorship at eight events during the 2026 calendar, including the Spanish Grands Prix in Barcelona and Madrid, as well as races in Las Vegas, Miami, Austin, Mexico City, Brazil, and the UK.
Implications for Williams and the Future of Carlos Sainz’s Sponsorship Landscape
The consolidation of Estrella Galicia 0,0 as a key partner ahead of 2026 builds on Williams’ ambitions in a season flagged by new technical rules and the introduction of the Madrid Grand Prix. This alliance demonstrates a strategic alignment between the team’s evolving identity and the sponsors’ vision for innovation and growth in motorsport.
For Carlos Sainz, Estrella Galicia’s deep connection remains a constant in his career journey, symbolizing trust and long-term commitment amidst changes in team and commercial landscapes. With Estrella Galicia’s logos adorning both drivers’ helmets and the Williams FW48, the partnership is positioned to be highly visible on F1 circuits throughout the year.
As the 2026 season approaches, the Williams team and Estrella Galicia 0,0 will seek to leverage their shared values to enhance competitive performance and brand prominence in a sport entering a new era on and off the track.
