Williams Formula One principal Jost Capito has taken over after Simon Roberts left the team as part of the management restructuring, the troubled former champions said on Wednesday. Capito was named chief executive of the team in December, and he began working at the Grove plant in February. The team was dominating in the 1980s and 1990s but it has not won the race since 2012.
Last August, Dorilton Capital, based in the United States, acquired Williams with drivers George Russell of the United Kingdom and Nicholas Latifi of Canada. It hasn’t scored points since July 2019, and after six races, it is in the last place in the 10-team competition. Roberts had been approved as principal after coming a year earlier in December. Capito paid tribute to Roberts in an official statement.
“Simon has played an integral role in managing the transition over the last 12 months and I would like to thank him for his great contribution during that time.”
Francois-Xavier Demaison, who was named technical director in March, will then be responsible for engineering both at the factory and the racetrack to guarantee that both ends are connected properly. Previously, the Frenchman worked with Capito at Volkswagen Motorsport. Capito has been doing a thorough evaluation of the team’s structure, interviewing employees to see what needs to be changed.
The team discovered the necessity to unify the engineering side under one head and eliminate any disconnect between the racetrack and the factory, with clear roles and duties. Before the French Grand Prix on June 20, ahead of racing engineering is expected to be named, followed by the appointment of a sporting director from outside the team.
Dave Redding will continue to lead the team as manager. The Mercedes-powered team is concentrating on its 2022 car, which will benefit from a big regulation change next year and the opportunity to move up the guiding principle after years at the bottom.