Sir Frank Williams admits Adrian Newey exit ‘a mistake’ – Formula 1 news
Williams’ team owner, Sir Frank Williams admits that it was quite a mistake to reject the request of Adrian Newey to give him shares and let him leave the team.
In 1990, Newey joined Williams and remained in the team until 1997. During Newey’s presence in the team, it won four constructors’ championships, three drivers’ championships and 51 Grands Prix. Moreover, Williams won both the titles in 1977 with the last
car FW19 which had Newey’s contribution and since then the team have not won any title.
Newey has worked as technical director in Fittipaldi, March, McLaren, Red Bull, Williams and he is regarded as an expert of designing championship-winning cars while working behind the scene for the teams.
Williams expressed that Newey departed from the team because of a disagreement over an issue of shares which he considered to be a mistake and an ultimate loss for the team.
“He wanted some shares that I didn't want to give to him at the time,” Williams told F1 Racing. “[That] was arguably, with hindsight, a mistake. Adrian is quite a remarkable individual.”
In the last season, Williams could just be able to score five points. However, the team seem determined and have made some significant changes in order to perform well in the upcoming 2012 Formula 1 season.
“I'm not an engineer but I've seen lots of good cars and lots of bad cars - and ours wasn't quick enough. It was deficient in most of the areas that matter, but we were completely lacking in the most important one of all, which is aero. And probably a bit
of horsepower. It just wasn't a quick car,” said Williams.
Moreover, Williams asserted that the team was hopeful with the Renault engine. The team had three new people coming from three different teams. One was the new chief of aero, one who was running the cars and one was the technical director.
Nevertheless, Williams said that there was an issue which still existed as the team did not have Newey with it.
“There's still a problem, it's called Adrian Newey,” Williams admitted. “There's only one of him.”
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