Jost Capito steps down as Williams F1 team principal

Williams said in a statement they would announce replacements in due course with technical director Francois-Xavier Demaison also leaving his role with immediate effect.

Published : Dec 12, 2022 22:36 IST

Jost Capito steps down as Williams F1 team principal.
Jost Capito steps down as Williams F1 team principal. | Photo Credit: Getty Images
infoIcon

Jost Capito steps down as Williams F1 team principal. | Photo Credit: Getty Images

Williams Formula One team principal and chief executive Jost Capito is stepping aside after two years in charge and technical director Francois-Xavier Demaison is also leaving, the former champions said on Monday.

British-based Williams said in a statement that they would announce replacements in due course.

“We would like to thank Jost for his hard work and dedication as we embarked on a major transformation process to begin the journey of reviving Williams Racing,” said Matthew Savage, chairman of owners Dorilton Capital.

“We’re grateful that Jost postponed his planned retirement to take on this challenge and now he will pass the reins on for the next part of this staged process.

“We would also like to thank FX (Demaison) for his contribution and wish him all the best for his future as he moves on.”

U.S.-based private investment firm Dorilton bought struggling Williams, the third most successful constructor in Formula One history with 114 wins and 16 titles, from the founding family in August 2020.

The team have not won a race since 2012 and their last drivers’ championship was with Canadian Jacques Villeneuve in 1997.

Williams finished last in this year’s constructors’ championship.

“It has been a huge privilege to lead Williams Racing for the last two seasons and to lay the foundations for the turnaround of this great team,” said Capito, a former McLaren chief executive.

“I look forward to watching the team as it continues on its path to future success.”

Capito, 64, was appointed chief executive of the Mercedes-powered team in December 2020 and took on the role of principal in June 2021 when Simon Roberts departed.

Frenchman Demaison was appointed in March 2021. He and German Capito had previously worked together at Volkswagen Motorsport.

Capito’s departure means two of Formula One’s 10 teams will have new bosses next season, with

Ferrari’s Mattia Binotto resigning last month and yet to be replaced.

Swiss-based Sauber, who run the Alfa Romeo team, could also be under new leadership with current principal Frederic Vasseur considered a favourite to take over from Binotto at Ferrari.

Sign in to unlock all user benefits
  • Get notified on top games and events
  • Save stories to read later
  • Access to comment on every story
  • Sign up / manage to our newsletters with a single click
  • Get notified by email for early bird access to discounts & offers to our products
Sign in

Comments

Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide to our community guidelines for posting your comment