Williams technical chief Pat Symonds has left his post at the team according to Autosport.
Symonds, a 30-year veteran of the sport, had been expected to retire from Formula One when his contract with the Grove team expired at the end of next year, however, that now appears to have been brought forward.
The likely reason is a deal for Mercedes technical boss Paddy Lowe, who’s future has been the subject of speculation in recent weeks.
The Briton had attracted interest from a number of teams, including Ferrari, but with the current Constructors’ champions looking to secure the services of Valtteri Bottas for 2017, Williams seems to have taken advantage of the situation to sign Lowe.
While Williams declined to comment on Autosport’s claim, Symonds’ departure would be in line with recent rumours as Lowe, who is the defacto team boss at Mercedes, made his name coming through the technical ranks at McLaren.
What would be surprising, though, is the lack of ‘gardening leave’ Lowe would complete upon leaving Mercedes. Usually, engineers, particularly at his level, are required to serve a period of absence between switching teams, as the secret information and knowledge of the previous team’s car would be less valuable to the new employers.
However, if indeed Symonds has left with immediate effect it would indicate Lowe’s arrival will be before the new season.
If that is the case, Lowe replaces a man who has enjoyed great success in F1 during his career. He began with Toleman before it became Benetton and later Renault scoring four championship wins. In recent years, Symonds had a spell with Virgin Racing (now Manor) before joining Williams in 2013.
He will also be remembered for the 2008 Renault ‘crashgate’ scandal in Singapore, an event that caused him to be suspended from the sport before being exonerated and having his ban lifted.
Looking ahead it will be interesting to see how Williams, a team who fell back from recent success in 2016 finishing fifth behind Force India, performs over the course of next season should Lowe arrive and begin work on pushing the team forward.
