Nielsen leaves Williams to join F1 as sporting director

Former Williams team manager Steve Nielsen is joining Formula 1 as sporting director, reporting to motorsport head Ross Brawn.

"His appointment will strengthen the working group we are setting up to work with the FIA and the teams in defining a framework for the technical and sporting regulations for Formula 1’s next phase," said Brawn in a statement on Wednesday.

"Steve’s main responsibility will be related to sporting and organisational matters, for example by attending the meetings of the Sporting Working Group."

Williams had already announced Nielsen was leaving, with former McLaren team manager Dave Redding replacing him.