Former McLaren man Piers Thynne joins Williams along with more new recruits

Thynne will start at the perfroming team in August in a newly created role focused on transforming Williams’ manufacturing and operations as the team continues its long term push back towards the front of Formula 1.

The move is a significant statement by Williams, with Thynne having played a central role in McLaren’s operational and cultural turnaround, which helped underpin back to back Constructors’ Championship titles in 2024 and 2025.

Thynne said: “I am delighted to be joining Atlassian Williams F1 Team at what is a really exciting moment. Williams has clear ambition to be championship level in all areas and set new standards in the sport, and I can’t wait to play my part in that as a member of the senior leadership group.

“I have enjoyed a fantastic time at McLaren, helping bring the team back to the top, and hope we will be able to do the same at Williams.”

Williams confirmed in a press release that Thynne will be responsible for streamlining processes, optimising resources and introducing advanced technology including robotics, AI and advanced manufacturing to modernise the team’s facilities.

Williams also appointed Claire Simpson as Head of Aerodynamic Development from Mercedes, Fred Judd as Head of Performance Optimisation from Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains, and Steve Booth as Head of Vehicle Engineering from Alpine.

Williams team principal, Vowles said: “I am thrilled to be welcoming Piers to Atlassian Williams F1 Team as we continue investing in the people, processes and technology to compete at the front in Formula 1.

“We are clear in our ambition to build a team that can win World Championships, and Piers has unrivalled recent experience in doing exactly that.

“I am also delighted to welcome Claire, Fred and Steve. We are attracting extremely talented strategic recruits from throughout the paddock who will add to the foundations we have already put in place over the past few years and help take us to the next level,” added Vowles.

The team said the new recruits have worked on 12 Formula 1 championship winning cars and bring more than 65 years of Formula 1 experience to Grove.