Patrick Head leaves Williams and F1 after 34 years

Dec 31, 2011, 11:09 GMT

London - Williams co-founder Patrick Head has ended his engagement in Formula One racing after more than three decades and turns his attention to hybrid technology development, the team said on Saturday.

Head, 65, entered motorsport after college at the age of 23 and founded the Williams team in 1977 with Frank Williams. He helped them win seven drivers' championships, nine constructors' crowns and 113 Grands Prix.

'Patrick and I have been in partnership for 34 years. During that time, he has been the leader of the technical team that has won the majority of our race wins and championships. This is a remarkable legacy and one which will be treasured and definitely not forgotten,' said Frank Williams.

'Patrick is a very straightforward, hard working and truly gifted engineer who comfortably operates at a world class level. I will miss him very much, as I am sure his colleagues will.'

Head, 65, announced the end of his time as head of engineering and on the board of the team in November at the F1 season finale in Brazil. He said that he will not retire but will no longer be directly involved in Williams' F1 activities.

Williams said Head will work for Williams Hybrid Power Limited, a subsidiary of the company that develops and produces hybrid technologies.

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