Williams to lose Kemppi sponsorship after Bottas link ends
Finnish welding firm Kemppi will withdraw its financial backing from Williams at the end of 2015, ending a sponsorship tied to Valtteri Bottas’ tenure with the team.
Williams will lose the financial backing of Finnish welding specialist Kemppi at the end of the 2015 Formula One season, as the company’s sponsorship agreement, brought in through its association with Valtteri Bottas, expires. The move comes amid ongoing speculation about Bottas’ future, with the Finn having been linked to a possible switch to Ferrari for 2016.
Kemppi’s logo has featured on the front wing endplates of the Mercedes-powered Williams FW37 throughout 2015, reflecting a partnership that began with Bottas’ arrival at the team. While Bottas was never seen as a classic pay driver, his presence brought both Kemppi and fellow Finnish sponsor Wihuri to Williams’ roster. According to Finnish media reports, Kemppi’s support was worth up to €2 million per season.
Kemppi’s sponsorship rationale
Kemppi CEO Anssi Rantasalo confirmed the decision to end the Williams sponsorship, stating that the company had achieved its objectives under the current agreement, which concludes this year. Rantasalo indicated that Kemppi is at least taking a break from team sponsorship and will reassess its motorsport involvement after next season. The company intends to continue its personal support of Bottas, maintaining a presence in Formula One through the driver rather than the team.
Rantasalo also suggested that Kemppi’s technical cooperation with Williams could continue, even as the formal sponsorship ends. The company is open to other forms of collaboration, though these would not involve on-car branding or direct financial support.
Impact on Williams and Bottas
For Williams, the loss of Kemppi’s funding removes one of the team’s Finnish commercial links, but Wihuri is expected to remain a sponsor beyond 2015. The team’s overall sponsorship portfolio remains relatively stable, though the departure of a backer reportedly contributing a seven-figure sum is not insignificant in Formula One’s tight financial environment.
Bottas, who turned 26 in August 2015, retains Kemppi’s personal support as he considers his future in F1. Reports have placed him in contention for a Ferrari seat, potentially replacing Kimi Räikkönen. For now, Kemppi’s exit from Williams underlines the shifting commercial dynamics that can follow a driver’s movements within the sport.
- Kemppi ends Williams sponsorship after 2015
- Personal support for Bottas continues
- Technical cooperation with Williams may persist
- Wihuri likely to stay as Williams sponsor
