Nicholas Latifi impressed in his Williams on day five of testing (Getty)
Australia’s riches man’s firm buys the battery and technology arm of the Williams F1 team
Fortescue Metals, a mining company owned by Australia’s richest man is buying Williams F1’s battery and technology arm for a reported $222.2 million. The company will buy Williams Advanced Engineering from EMK Capital and Williams Grand Prix Engineering both of which are UK based.
The main motive of the deal is to help the mining company achieve their goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2030. The deal will see both companies work on various projects. The first project to be developed will be a battery train.
Andrew Forrest, the founder of Fortescue Metals said (h/t BBC):
“This announcement is the key to unlocking the formula for removing fossil-fuel powered machinery and replacing it with zero carbon emission technology.”
Forrest is known for investing in projects with the goal of sustainable energy and its development. The company will plan to use Williams’ battery technology to power its freight trains and heavy industrial equipment amongst many.
George Russell is set to join Lewis Hamilton from the 2022 season. After showing immense potential with Williams, it is now time for the young racer to shine under Mercedes. It is safe to say that Russell is carrying a ton of expectations on his shoulders.
However, Williams F1 director, Dave Robson has come out with an interesting statement. He has compared him Hamilton and said:
“There is no doubt that he still has more to learn. Because working at Mercedes is a different story than working for us. But when it comes to his style and attitude, he is absolutely no less than these two [Hamilton and Button].”
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