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After a forgettable 2022 season, Team Williams have announced a few big changes ahead of the 2023 season. Team Principal Jost Capito and Technical Director FX Demaison are to leave the team, the British racing team confirmed on Monday. Owners Dorilton Capital tempted Capito out of retirement to head up the operation after acquiring the team from the Williams family in 2020.
While 2021 was eventful for the British team with George Russell taking a podium as they ended up eighth in the constructors' championship, they fell back to 10th and last, scoring just eight points this season. This has tempted them to make these changes. On Monday, Williams announced Capito and Demaison’s departure, adding that they will confirm their replacements in “due course”.
“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. “I look forward to watching the team as it continues on its path to future success.”
Dorilton Capital Chairman Matthew Savage added, “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".
“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 for his contribution and wish him all the best for his future as he moves on.”
Notably, Former Volkswagen Motorsport Chief Capito took over at Williams at the end of 2020 following the acquisition of the team by Dorilton Capital from the Williams family. Capito is the second F1 Team Principal to leave his role since the end of the 2022 season in Abu Dhabi last month following Mattia Binotto's departure from Ferrari.
Meanwhile, the British F1 team has signed Alex Albon who largely led the team's efforts throughout the season to a long-term contract, as well as drafting in Formula 2 driver Logan Sargeant to replace Nicholas Latifi for the 2023 season.
