Jost Capito, former Director of Motorsport at Volkswagen and one-time CEO of McLaren, has joined Williams Racing.
The 62 year old German has over 35 years experience of motorsport, working with a number of its most high profile competitors across codes, including Sauber, Ford, Porsche and BMW, along with Volkswagen & of course McLaren.
His time at VW coincided with the German marque’s domination of world rallying, with four consecutive double WRC title wins. His tenure at McLaren in F1 (the role closest to the one he’s taken on at Williams) was less successful, ending after just three months when Ron Dennis – who recruited Capito – parted ways with the team in 2016, as new boss Zak Brown brought in his own people.
“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” Jost Capito said on being announced.
“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.”
The move is seen as further strengthening of the team by Dorilton Capital who took over Williams earlier this year, and who are seeking for an upturn in results/a return on their investment (depending on which way you look at it).
It is no surprise that Williams want to emulate McLaren – with whom they have so much in common – and their recent resurgence shortly after they appointed Andreas Seidl. With a similar motorsports pedigree it looks like in Jost Capito Williams have found their own version, and are hoping for a similar upturn in fortunes. Which would be nice.
Williams also took the opportunity to announce that former interim Team Principal Simon Roberts would be taking on the role full time.
Welcome aboard Jost! And congrats Simon!
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