Williams confirm Paddy Lowe exit

Williams and Paddy Lowe have confirmed that the 57-year-old has left the team permanently after previously taking a leave of absence from F1 earlier in the season.

After an embarrassing, start to the season for the British team which saw their car arrive late to pre-season testing in Barcelona, followed by a series of dead-last results, Lowe was allowed to take a break from the team.

With immediate affect, he has now left Williams permanently.

“After a period of careful reflection I have reached the decision that I will not return to work at Williams," Lowe said.

“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.”

Deputy team principal Claire Williams released a short statement reacting to the news.

“We understand and respect the decision Paddy has reached and wish him well for the future,” the statement read.

Lowe has been involved within Formula 1 for over 30 years, and actually started his career with Williams in 1987.

He has worked with championship winners Nigel Mansell, Mika Hakkinen, Lewis Hamilton, and Nico Rosberg.

When Rosberg retired in 2016, he was part of the deal which saw Valtteri Bottas leave Williams for Mercedes, with him heading in the opposite direction.

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