Williams confirm another 2018 departure

Williams have confirmed that Rob Smedley will leave his role as the team's head of performance engineering at the end of 2018. The beleaguered British squad have undergone several changes behind the scenes this year as they have struggled badly for results.

The nine-time constructors' campions will finish comfortable bottom of the constructors' standings at the end of 2018, having accrued just seven points in 19 races.

Dirk de Beer and Ed Wood lost their jobs as head of aerodynamics and chief designer respectively in May over Williams' dreadful start to the campaign, but it appears that former Ferrari man Smedley is departing under his own steam.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Williams," he said.

"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."

A familiar face on the F1 grid, Smedley previously served as Felipe Massa's race engineer at Ferrari and his move to Williams in 2014 was followed by back-to-back third-place finishes in the constructors' standings.

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