François-Xavier Demaison new technical director of Williams

Wherever he has been in recent years, François-Xavier Demaison shone in technical responsibility. After a first notable visit to Peugeot Sport from the late 90s to the mid-2000s in the program WRC, it is at Subaru and Volkswagen since 2011 that the Frenchman has left his mark, notably presiding over the domination of the Polo R WRC with Sébastien Ogier.

After the most exotic 100% electric ID.R project with Volkswagen and the triumph of Pikes Peak, the future of Demaison remained in limbo after the German manufacturer's announcement to withdraw from all competition.

It is finally towards the F1 what will “FX” turn into by joining Williams Racing where he will meet another veteran of the Volkswagen house, Jost Capito, new general manager for a few months.

“I am really looking forward to joining Williams Racing as they begin an exciting journey to improve their performance, indicates the French engineer. It will be a big challenge, but I am looking forward to it.

They have a great team of talented people, and I look forward to working with them and the management team to help chart a direction for the future, and to help the team realize its ambitions. »

The challenge is indeed significant, with Williams vegetating for several years at the bottom of the rankings. The new American owners of Dorilton Capital, however, are giving themselves the means by recruiting one of the big names in the technique.

This is not François-Xavier Demaison's first F1 experience, the latter having worked on the Peugeot engine program or at Renault.