Williams poach several key figures in recruitment drive to attract Sainz

F1 News

Williams announce pinching of new technical figures from rival teams
27 June at 15:55
  • Toby Nixon

Williams has just announced that several key technical figureheads will be joining the team in what they call a 'major recruitment drive' as they attempt to work their way back up the F1 grid. James Vowles's ambition has changed the culture at Williams, who currently sit in ninth place in the construction standings on just two points. Despite their current form, Vowles's Williams project has attracted Alex Albon into a contract renewal until the end of the 2027 season, and Carlos Sainz, who will make way for Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari at the end of this season, has been tempted by Williams, but is yet to make a decision on his future.

Williams' new recruits:

"Williams Racing is pleased to announce the recruitment of five highly-experienced Formula 1 technical leaders and an outstanding new Chief Information and Analytics Officer as the team continues to strengthen and transform in pursuit of success." The Grove-based team announced in their latest press release. "Matt Harman will join Williams as Design Director, starting after the summer shutdown. Most recently Technical Director at Alpine, Matt has also worked at Renault, Mercedes and Mercedes’ powertrains division over a 24-year career in F1." Harman recently left Alpine earlier in the season amid a recruitment reshuffle at the French team.

"Fabrice Moncade joins the team as Chief Engineer, Formerly Head of Performance Analytics at Ferrari, he has pioneered modern-day lap simulation in F1 and worked on two title-winning cars while at Mercedes.

"Juan Molina arrives as Chief Aerodynamicist and starts on July 15. Previously Principal Aerodynamicist at Haas, he won three championship doubles during a spell with Red Bull and will report to Adam Kenyon who was promoted to Head of Aerodynamics in April.

"Steve Winstanley is appointed Chief Engineer of Composites and Structures to lead and transform the structures department within the design office. He brings 22 years of F1 experience including 14 at Red Bull.

"Richard Frith will also join Williams in 2025 as Head of Performance Systems. Formerly Head of Performance at Alpine, Richard has 25 years of experience in the sport including spells with Jordan, Force India, Sauber, Marussia and McLaren.All five will form part of the technical team being led by Pat Fry, who joined Williams in November." Along with these key arrivals, 21 new recruits, from multiple F1 teams including Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull will join Williams over the course of the year.

James Vowles, who is leading Willams into the new era and beyond, said: "We are on a mission to fight our way back to the front and being able to attract experienced, Championship-winning talent from other teams demonstrates huge belief in the journey we are on. Williams is investing in what it takes to win, and this is just the start as we prepare to welcome more new faces from across the grid in the months ahead."