Paddy Lowe, a name everyone knows in the F1 Paddock and a vital element to Williams in the form of Chief Technical Director, is set to take a 'leave of absence'. But with just over a week to go before lights out in Melbourne, is this the right move for Williams?
As we all know, pre-season testing was far from ideal for the Grove based team. After delays in the readying of the FW42, the car only made its track debut on the afternoon of the third day. Williams therefore completed the least mileage of all teams. A crucial part of improving and developing the 2019 challengers.
After finishing pre-season testing, Williams was quite clearly at the bottom of the timesheets. Williams also has a whole new driver line up in the form of Robert Kubica and George Russell, however, both of which should really be treated as rookies this season considering the amount of change that occurs every season in Formula 1. Therefore, this lack of running has meant that neither driver believes to be fully prepared for the season ahead.
Paddy Lowe, who joined Williams in early 2017 after parting ways with Mercedes, has seen the team slump right down to the bottom of the championship and only scoring a mere seven points overall last season.
However, after such a major error at pre-season testing, many feel as though change has to occur in order for the team to succeed.
Even after Paddy Lowe stressed last week that he did not feel as though his job was at risk and urging Williams to stay as a team and a unit, but a statement released on Wednesday revealed otherwise. Williams have stated 'Paddy is taking a leave of absence from the sport for personal reasons.'
Nothing further was added.
Will this move help or hinder the Williams team, as it leaves them without a Technical Director just 8 days before Melbourne begins?
Comments