Changes afoot at Williams

The once great Formula One force of Williams has been lost in recent years.

The team haven’t won a drivers or a constructors titles since 1997, whilst Pastor Maldonado’s somewhat fortuitous victory in Spain in 2012 is also their only Grand Prix victory in nine seasons.

In a bid to change this slump, Williams will switch from Renault to Mercedes engines for next year, while the backroom staff and design team is also receiving a complete shake-up.

The process started with the signing of Pat Symonds as Chief Technical Officer after he joined the team from Marussia last summer.

Then in December they strengthened their technical team by hiring aerodynamicists from Red Bull and Lotus with the signings of Dave Wheater from Lotus and Shaun Whitehead from Red Bull.

Wheater joins as Head of Aerodynamic Performance and Whitehead was appointed Head of Aerodynamic Process.

The next step of the restructure has seen Max Nightingale promoted to Head of Vehicle Science, whilst three more additions join Williams from Force India, Mercedes and Lotus.

Jakob Andreasen leaves Force India to become Williams’ Head of Engineering Operations.

Craig Wilson departs Mercedes to be named Williams’ Head of Vehicle Dynamics, while Rod Nelson leaves Lotus to be announced as Williams’ Chief Test and Support Engineer.

‘Williams is determined to make strong improvements in our competitiveness over the coming seasons and these new appointments continue our aggressive approach in recruiting some of the sport’s best talent,’ Symonds told Sky Sports.

‘We are also committed to allowing our existing talent to grow and showcase their skills in senior leadership roles. Our engineering team for the coming season is looking strong and I’m excited about what we can achieve moving forwards.’