The official announcement of Pat Fry joining the Williams F1 team was made in Spa on Friday, with Fry poised to start his new role by the year’s end.
James Vowles, the team boss, expressed his joy in a statement, “We’re thrilled to have Pat Fry on board at Williams Racing. His wealth of knowledge and expertise will considerably augment our technical prowess and drive for excellence as we chart the future of Williams. Pat’s history of contributing to victorious teams and his reputation as one of the most esteemed professionals in the field make his addition an exciting prospect. We look forward to commencing our work together in November.”
Williams has lacked a technical leader since Francois-Xavier Demaison left in December, coinciding with a leadership restructuring that also saw team principal Jost Capito’s exit.
The newly appointed team principal, Vowles, was clear from the beginning that recruiting a new technical head and an aerodynamics chief was crucial, though he emphasized the importance of patience in selecting the right candidates, ensuring they are contractually free to join.
Vowles also highlighted how the team’s better form and financial health have been alluring to potential hires.
In a recent interview with F1 Flow.com, he mentioned, “As we hold our heads high, others are turning their gaze towards us. People are starting to recognize the reality of our investment and direction. I’ve been discussing this openly in F1 Commissions. We have resources, and we’re prepared to use them, fostering a meritocracy. This is drawing people who see that we’re on track to progress.”
Alex Albon, Williams FW45
Photo by: Williams
Fry, 59, is presently the chief technical officer at Alpine, having re-joined the Enstone team at the start of the 2020 season for a second spell.
His F1 journey started in 1987 with Benetton, where he worked on active suspension and later as a race engineer. He moved to McLaren in 1993, continuing his work on active suspension until its ban, and then transitioning into a race engineering role, eventually becoming chief engineer for the 2005, 2007 and 2009 cars.
Fry joined Ferrari in 2010 as an assistant technical director, progressing through several positions, including head of trackside engineering and director of chassis. He left Ferrari after a challenging 2014 season, the first under hybrid regulations.
In 2016, he was an engineering consultant for Manor Racing and had a brief return to McLaren in a temporary role. His second stint at Enstone, with the then-Renault team, was announced in November 2019. While it’s understood that Fry is still at Alpine, his departure will prompt further changes to the management structure as the team continues to evolve.
Also read:
Williams considers shifting focus to 2024 F1 car
Alpine F1’s Gasly shares “contradictory” feelings about racing at Spa.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Pat Fry Williams F1 Team
Who is the new technical director at Williams F1 Team?
Pat Fry has been appointed as the new technical director at Williams F1 Team. He will begin his role by the end of the year.
Who was the previous technical leader at Williams F1 Team?
The previous technical leader at Williams F1 Team was Francois-Xavier Demaison, who left in December during a management restructuring.
Where was Pat Fry working before joining Williams F1 Team?
Before joining Williams, Pat Fry served as the chief technical officer at Alpine, and he has also held significant roles at McLaren and Ferrari during his career.
When will Pat Fry officially start at Williams F1 Team?
Pat Fry is set to start in his new role at Williams F1 Team by the end of the year.
What is team boss James Vowles’ opinion on Pat Fry joining the team?
James Vowles, team boss at Williams, expressed delight at Pat Fry’s appointment. He believes that Fry’s expertise will significantly strengthen the team’s technical capabilities and contribute to their pursuit of excellence.
More about Pat Fry Williams F1 Team
- Williams F1 Team official website
- Pat Fry’s Formula 1 profile
- Alpine F1 Team official website
- F1 Flow.com
- History of McLaren in F1
- Francois-Xavier Demaison’s career
- Ferrari F1 Team’s hybrid regulations journey
7 comments
pat fry and williams, now that’s a combo i didn’t see coming…should be interesting!
bout time Williams got a top technical guy in. Fry’s the right man for the job. Upward and onward!
omg, this is huge… Pat’s got decades of experience, he’s gonna bring so much to the team, excited to see what happens next season.
wow! Big move for Pat Fry! Williams really stepping up their game huh.
Remember him from his Mclaren days. he did some good work then… hope he does well at Williams.
Can’t wait to see the impact of this in the 2024 season! Williams sure looks like they’re on the right track. go Williams!
Never thought I’d see Fry leave Alpine… but I guess Williams is a new challenge, and they sure need his expertise. All the best to him.