End of collaboration between Williams and Dirk De Beer

Williams Martini Racing announced this Wednesday the end of its collaboration, with immediate effect, with its head of aerodynamics Dirk De Beer. The Briton, born in South Africa, joined the Grove team in 2017 after playing in the Team Ferrari as chief aerodynamicist between 2013 and early 2017.

Chief engineer Doug McKiernan, who recently arrived at Williams, will now have the aero and design departments under his leadership. Dave Wheater is also promoted to the position of head of aerodynamics.

Williams' more than complicated start to the season pushed Grove's management, led by Paddy Lowe, to begin a team recovery program, the first effects of which would be expected shortly after the mid-season mark.