Even AI companies see the value in sports alliances.

Anthropic, the company behind the AI interface known as Claude, has struck a multi-year partnership deal with the Atlassian Williams F1 team, making one of the first big tie-ins between a growing artificial-intelligence sector and sports teams. Claude will be known as Williams “official thinking partner.”

Financial terms were not disclosed.

Under the agreement, Claude will be integrated across the entire Williams organization, and will support how the team plans and considers race strategy, car development and other operations. Teams can use Claude to analyze research and, potentially, build new products. Claude branding will appear on Williams cars, drivers, and team kit starting with the 2026 car reveal on February 3, ahead of the season opener in Melbourne.

The deal has been unveiled just as F1 has changed its rules to allow for the construction of lighter, smaller and narrower vehicles.

“Formula 1 is ultimately about the pairing of human endeavor and technical excellence.” said Mike Krieger, co-lead of Anthropic Labs, in a statement. “I’ve watched Atlassian Williams F1 Team find ways to punch above their weight for years, that’s exactly the kind of team Claude is built for.”

Williams finished fifth last season. The alliance will draw new attention to the team, with fans and executives scrutinizing whether Claude can help boost performance and results.

“At a time when our team is on a journey to the front, this partnership is an opportunity for us to show what’s possible when you combine elite human talent with the right frontier models,” said James Vowles, team principal at Atlassian Williams F1 Team, in a statement. “We know that there are no shortcuts to success, and look forward to working with Anthropic to continue building long-lasting performance.”

Anthropic was encouraged by the fact that Williams is not backed by an auto company, said Andrew Sirk, Anthropic’s head of brand marketing. “They are world class problem solvers, focused on the smallest details, that’s the same drive that animates Anthropic. It’s why this partnership felt right from the first conversation,” he said.

Founded in 1977 by Sir Frank Williams and Sir Patrick Head, the team has won nine Constructors’ World Championships, seven Drivers’ World Championships and 114 Grand Prix races.