Formula One, the popular European motorsport known for speedy, million-dollar race cars, high technology and glittering race destinations like Monaco and Melbourne has evolved into a global phenomenon, captivating millions of spectators each year.
The prestigious sport is the highest class of international auto racing for single-seat cars and follows a set of rules, or formula, for vehicles. Fairly new to American audiences, F1 is the epitome of racing, where elite drivers demonstrate a unique combination of speed, strategy and skill. It’s also a lucrative sport, bringing in more than $2.5 billion in 2022 according to Forbes, and is booming with younger viewers.
The vehicles alone serve as real-world research labs for groundbreaking advancements in speed, aerodynamics and operating systems. Leading F1 team Williams Racing is pushing the boundaries this season with its FW46. Its striking blue paint job becomes a sapphire streak on the track, but its electronic features are what turn heads, including a 3D-printed steering wheel with its own working screen and numerous buttons and dials.
But the eyes of Arkansas viewers will no doubt be drawn to a familiar name on the side of the FW46: Stephens. The Little Rock-based financial firm serves as Williams Racing’s official investment banking partner, a relationship that serves as a reminder of Stephens Inc.’s presence on a global stage and its drive for innovation.
CEO Warren Stephens spoke with Soirée about his love for the sport, his relationship with Williams Racing and how it comes full circle in an upcoming exhibit at the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts.
When did you personally become interested in Formula One, and what about the sport do you most enjoy?
WS: Our sons, Miles and John, became interested in Formula One during the pandemic. Netflix’s “Drive to Survive” piqued their interest, and the 2021 season got them hooked. Since then, we’ve all been fans. As a family, we enjoy the global nature of Formula One. Each race is in a unique and interesting location. The cars are technological marvels. It’s fun watching them navigate these great tracks around the world.
What was the goal behind Stephens partnering with Williams Racing, and what impact have you seen already?
WS: Our partnership with Williams Racing raises global awareness of Stephens alongside a well-established and celebrated racing partner while capitalizing on F1’s explosive growth. There are more than 1.5 billion F1 fans driving record broadcast viewership and social media engagement. That means every race and every supporting event — such as the “Beyond the F1 Circuit” exhibition [coming to AMFA this fall] — creates an opportunity for Stephens to make meaningful audience connections at home and in Europe, where we offer investment banking services in London and Frankfurt. Our European colleagues and clients were, understandably, very excited about this partnership as F1 is very popular throughout the region. What was a little surprising was the response within Stephens U.S. and our U.S. clients. They mirror the fantastic growth and excitement of F1 throughout the U.S.
Sports sponsorship is becoming increasingly sophisticated. What made Stephens choose Williams Racing instead of another team?
WS: Stephens and Williams share the distinction of starting as family businesses, which is important to us as Williams’ heritage continues to define its culture. As a British team, they represent a growth market for Stephens. Williams is one of the winningest teams in F1 history, while also celebrated for their integrity and quality leadership. These attributes resonated with us, along with the opportunity for Stephens to join other high-value brands in support of Williams’ transformative era.
As the Team’s official investment banking partner, is there a formula for choosing a great partner?
WS: At Stephens, all our sponsor partnerships begin with shared values, brand alignment and purpose. These relationships are an extension of how we do business. As such, we place a premium on authenticity.
Stephens recently celebrated its 90th anniversary. What do you hope the future will hold for this partnership?
WS: We’re proud of our 90th milestone, but as my dad said, we’re focused on being in business the next day, so we’re already thinking about 100 years. Like the team at Williams, Stephens is an ever-growing, future-focused firm. We see infinite possibilities in how we grow our brands together.
What are you most looking forward to in the AMFA’s upcoming exhibit featuring a Williams Racing F1 car?
WS: Since reopening last April, AMFA has brought an array of provocative and showstopping exhibitions to central Arkansas. “Beyond the F1 Circuit” is another example of how they are redefining how the public engages with and appreciates art in its many forms. I am excited to see the Williams Racing car and uniform from this perspective.
Do you have a favorite Grand Prix race or F1 memory?
WS: Family, along with a few friends, went to the Montreal GP in 2023. It was a great experience. Plus, Williams performed well, which was an added bonus!
Is there anything else you want readers to know about this partnership or the sport?
WS: As the exhibition sponsor, this reinforces Stephens’ commitment to bringing unique, memorable experiences to the communities where we live and serve while showcasing a key partnership in a global sport with a growing American audience. We hope this is the first of many innovative events with Williams in Little Rock and beyond.
We also caught up with AMFA Executive Director Dr. Victoria Ramirez to learn more about “Beyond the F1 Circuit: Artistry and Speed with Williams Racing.”
What can you tell us about the F1 exhibit and how it’ll be on display?
VR: An exact replica of a Williams Racing 2024 car without the engine will be on display in the museum’s atrium [Sept. 5-22], allowing guests to study the car at eye level or examine it from above using the landing of the grand staircase as a viewpoint. A driver uniform, driver helmet and short film will be also showcased to offer museum guests the opportunity to gain a broader understanding of the sport and the story behind the exhibition.
What was the initial idea for this exhibit?
VR: AMFA is always seeking ways to expand the definition of art and celebrate how artists support many sectors of a robust society. Thanks to our supporters at Stephens and their partnership with Williams Racing, the museum can offer guests a firsthand look at how the work of artists contributes to the design and function of an F1 car on the circuit this racing season. This is the first time a contemporary F1 car will be on display at a fine arts museum in the U.S., so we are excited to share this exhibition with museum guests and provide intriguing insights into such a popular global sport.
How is bringing an F1 installation significant to AMFA’s overall vision?
VR: Part of AMFA’s mission is to show how art is all around us and, sometimes, found in unexpected places. We encourage curiosity by inviting our guests to make connections with the arts through everyday experiences. Like Formula One, the museum’s collection of art is international, which makes so many diverse forms of art from artists around the world accessible to central Arkansas. At AMFA, we see visiting exhibitions as a way for our guests to learn something new or expand their knowledge. Similarly, we hope showcasing an F1 car and related objects will either introduce or deepen the public’s knowledge of this highly technical sport and its impressively creative teams.
Is there anything else you want readers to know about this partnership?
VR: For AMFA, an F1 car exemplifies the role an artist and the arts play in the broader world. When designing an object that must serve a specific purpose — be it a chair or a car — an artist must navigate form and function to ensure the finished product looks and operates as prescribed. This high level of artistry requires continued problem-solving and a deep understanding of materials and their properties. These are skills the arts teach us and that artists must have to successfully create their work. This exhibition is only on view for a short time, and like all AMFA exhibitions, it is free to the public. We will be offering related programming, so visit the museum’s website to find the latest news and updates.
