F1 backmarker Williams says goodbye to Paddy Lowe

Williams continues to plod through a season without so much as a single top-10 finish in 2019.

Williams confirmed on Tuesday that technical chief Paddy Lowe will not return to his role, the former Mercedes and McLaren engineer having been placed on gardening leave in March.

When the Williams FW42 hit the track for preseason testing in Barcelona, having missed the opening two days of preseason testing, it was immediately obvious to everyone trackside that the car was no good. Publicly, deputy team principal Claire Williams refused to put the blame on any one person, but when Lowe was placed on gardening leave on March 3, words were no longer needed for the dots to be connected.

Lowe promised to “approach things in a different and better way” after a poor 2018 season. Joining the team in 2017, Lowe’s first project of full involvement was the 2018 FW41, a car which saw Williams finish last in the constructors’ standings for the first time. With the new approach proving not to have improved things, possibly making them even worse, Lowe has now formally left the team, stepping down from the board of directors with immediate effect.

“After a period of careful reflection, I have reached the decision that I will not return to work at Williams,” said Lowe in a brief statement. “I wish all my previous colleagues the very best to meet the challenges ahead, which I am sure they will do. I would especially like to thank the Williams fans who are so supportive.”

Claire Williams added, “We understand and respect the decision Paddy has reached and wish him well for the future.”

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