Williams confirm F1 LEGEND as team make sensational changes

James Vowles, Williams, Bahrain, 2023 — Photo: © LAT Images

Williams confirm F1 LEGEND as team make sensational changes

Pat Fry will leave Alpine and swap teams, with his new role to begin in November

Dan Davis

Friday 28 July 2023 16:57

Renowned Formula 1 engineer Pat Fry will leave Alpine to join rivals Williams as their new chief technical officer, it has been confirmed.

Having held an identical role at Alpine since early 2022, Fry will switch teams to instead work under James Vowles, with his role to commence on November 1.

The position at Williams has been vacant since Paddy Lowe departed in 2019 and they also remain without a technical director following FX Demaison's exit.

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However, Vowles, who replaced Jost Capito in the hot seat ahead of the current season, has now made his first senior appointment in a statement of intent.

Fry boasts three decades of experience in motorsport, having enjoyed a 17-year spell with McLaren and also worked with Ferrari and Manor.

Fry targeting 'excellence'

"I am thrilled to be joining Williams Racing as chief technical officer," he said. "The team has a rich heritage in Formula 1, and I am excited to contribute to its future success.

"I believe in the team's potential and, together, we will strive for excellence on and off the track."

Vowles, meanwhile, added: "On behalf of all at Williams Racing, I'm delighted to be welcoming Pat.

"His knowledge and experience will further strengthen the team's technical capabilities and pursuit of excellence as we build the next chapter of Williams.

"Pat has been a core part of winning teams throughout his career, he is one of the most respected experts in our industry and I'm excited to begin work with him when he joins in November."

Fry's unveiling came shortly before Alpine confirmed team boss Otmar Szafnauer and sporting director Alan Permane will leave imminently.