The Williams FW45 is a Formula One racing car, a marvel of engineering and design, constructed by Williams to compete in the 2023 Formula One World Championship. The car was driven by Logan Sargeant and Alexander Albon, both of whom were in their first and second years with the team respectively. The FW45 was first revealed on 6 February 2023, marking a significant milestone in the history of Williams Racing. The car is a testament to the advancements in technology and innovation in the world of Formula One racing.

The FW45 is equipped with a Mercedes-AMG M14 E Performance 1.6 L direct injection V6 turbocharged engine, limited to 15,000 RPM in a mid-mounted, rear-wheel drive layout. It also features kinetic and thermal energy recovery systems, enhancing its performance on the track. The transmission is a Mercedes-AMG 8 forward + 1 reverse gear seamless sequential semi-automatic shift plus reverse gear, with gear selection electro-hydraulically actuated. The car also boasts a lithium-ion battery, Petronas fuel and lubricants, and Pirelli P Zero (dry) and Pirelli Cinturato (wet) tyres.

The chassis of the FW45 is a carbon-fibre monocoque, laminated from carbon epoxy and honeycomb. The front suspension is a double wishbone, push-rod activated springs and anti-roll bar, while the rear suspension is a double wishbone, pull-rod activated springs and anti-roll bar. The car also features a cooling system with aluminium oil, water, charge air, ERS and gearbox coolers. The cockpit is equipped with a six-point driver safety harness and a removable custom-formed carbon fibre seat.

The FW45 had a challenging debut season. Albon qualified 15th for the season opener at Bahrain with Sargeant qualifying 16th. Sargeant moved up 4 places at the start into 12th place where he would finish the race whilst Albon went on a brilliant strategy to finish 10th, holding off AlphaTauri’s Yuki Tsunoda to score the team’s first point of the season. However, the following races were not as successful. Sargeant failed to set a time in qualifying in Jeddah due to having his first lap deleted, spinning on his second and being forced to stop with mechanical problems on his third but he was given permission to race by the stewards. Albon was forced to retire on lap 28 due to brake failure whilst Sargeant tried to fight for points but his tyres went off and he slipped back to 16th at the flag.