Williams has revealed that Head of Performance Engineering, Rob Smedley, will leave the team at the end of the season.

Smedley joined the team in 2014 as Head of Performance Engineering, making his first appearance at the Bahrain Grand Prix to help guide the race operations team at a time of transition following a poor 2013 campaign. The team went on to finish third in the championship for two consecutive years before finishing fifth in 2016 and 2017. With two races remaining, it currently looks set to finish the 2018 season tenth.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Williams," said Smedley. !The team has been through great change since I joined in 2014 and it has been a pleasure to have played a part in that. Williams is a very special team within the F1 community and I'm certain that with all the talent that we have here they will go on and do better things. The team will always remain close to my heart

"After 20 years in Formula One, however, I feel it's the right time to reflect on things and evaluate what the next move is. I'm thoroughly looking forward to spending more time with my family before deciding on future opportunities."

"It has been a pleasure having Rob in our team for the last four years and we will miss him both personally and professionally," added Claire Williams. "He agreed to join us at a time when our performance was low, and we are grateful that he saw the potential for us to turn things around at that time.

"During his time with us, he has made a significant contribution to the team through his role, but he's also been just a great person to have at Grove, inspiring many with his enthusiasm and passion for Formula One. Rob's been in the sport a long time, so we totally understand and respect his decision to take some well-deserved time out to spend with his wife and boys. We wish him all the best and thank him wholeheartedly for the time, passion and fighting spirit he's given to Williams."

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READERS COMMENTS

1. Posted by TokyoAussie, 06/11/2018 3:24

"Like many of these titles in F1 teams, I'm completely clueless as to what he did."

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2. Posted by mickl, 05/11/2018 23:46

"Wow, did he change his first name to Paddy?

He should go to Formula E and help Felipe win a championship. He'll be missed."

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3. Posted by Ro, 05/11/2018 16:11

"I met Rob A long time ago and he was such a bright smiling man. I also know of someone who worked at Williams who couldn't stop saying 'what a fabulous guy he is. He was the person to go to for practically anything'. Sad to see him leave F1, pity Williams didnt do better with him there. Good luck to Rob and Im sure that whatever he decides to do he will make a success of it. "

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4. Posted by bigbri, 05/11/2018 15:03

"A good man in an impossible situation. Sad all around but hopefully both Rob and Williams move onto better times."

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5. Posted by Motorsport-fan, 05/11/2018 13:14

"From third to tenth in the constuctors over his tenure is not a record to be proud of, with others this season leaving as well, clearly some issues at Williams, lets hope with more Mercedes help in 2019 they can recover some ground."

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6. Posted by Pawsche, 05/11/2018 12:28

""Did he fall or was he pushed?"..."

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Smedley to leave Williams

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