Williams name former McLaren boss Jost Capito as new CEO

The rebuild of the Williams continues with news the iconic British Formula 1 team have appointed former McLaren boss Jost Capito to the role of Chief Executive Officer, with Simon Roberts made Team Principal on a permanent basis…

New owners Dorilton Capital have been undertaking a review of the business since taking over from the Williams family in August with a view of restructuring and strengthening departments across the board.

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They have selected Capito – with four decades of motorsport and automotive experience, to lead the team into a new era, with the German taking full responsibility for the day-to-day running of the company from February 1 2021.

He will report to Williams Chairman Matthew Savage, while Roberts – who has assumed the role of Acting Team Principal since Claire Williams left after Monza – will report directly to Capito having taken the role permanently.

“It’s a great honour for me to join Williams Racing during these exciting and demanding times for both the team and for Formula 1,” said Capito. “It is an honour to be a part of the future of this storied team, and one that carries such a poignant name in the sport, so I approach this challenge with great respect and with a huge amount of relish.”

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Savage added: “We are excited to welcome Jost Capito as the new CEO of Williams Racing. He is an experienced and competitive individual, who has built winning teams and is a winner in his own right.

“He understands the Williams heritage and will work well with the team in pursuit of our objective to return to the front of the grid.”

Capito has enjoyed extraordinary success in the World Rally Championship, winning both drivers’ and constructors’ championships for four years running as Motorsport Director at Volkswagen.

He had short stint at McLaren as CEO, but left the team soon after boss Ron Dennis - who had recruited him left the outfit – and returned to lead the performance car arm of Volkswagen.