DECEMBER 31, 2011

Head steps down from Williams GP board

Williams Grand Prix Holdings has announced that team co-founder Patrick Head has stepped down from the F1 team's board of directors with immediate effect.

Williams Grand Prix Holdings has announced that team co-founder Patrick Head has stepped down from the F1 team's board of directors with immediate effect.

It brings to an end a fabulous 34-year era in which Head has overseen the Williams technical department, during which it won 113 grands prix, nine constructors' world titles and seven drivers championships (Alan Jones, 1980; Keke Rosberg, 1982; Nelson Piquet, 1987; Nigel Mansell, 1992; Alain Prost, 1993; Damon Hill, 1996; Jacques Villeneuve, 1997). The last of the team's wins was Juan Pablo Montoya's victory in the 2004 Brazilian GP.

Frank Williams said: "Patrick and I have been in partnership for 34 years. During that time he has been the leader of the technical team that has won the majority of our race wins and championships. This is a remarkable legacy and one which will be treasured and definitely not forgotten.

"Patrick is a very straightforward, hard working and truly gifted engineer who comfortably operates at a world class level. I will miss him very much, as I am sure his colleagues will, and he will always be welcome at Grove. Indeed, Patrick will still be seen around the factory as he continues to be involved in the development of our hybrid power activities."

Head turned 65 last June and earlier this year sold a substantial part of his shareholding in Williams at a time when the company was listed on the Frankfurt stock exchange. He will continue in his role as a board director of Williams Hybrid Power Limited, a subsidiary that develops and produces hybrid technologies.