Williams appoints François-Xavier Demaison as Technical Director

Ahead of the 2021 F1 season, Williams Racing has announced another key change to its organization with the team appointing François-Xavier Demaison as Technical Director.

Demaison will be responsible for the technical operation of the business including the Design and Aerodynamic functions. Williams’ new recruit will report to CEO, Jost Capito who took on his new role in the company on the 1st of February.

Demaison previously worked for Volkswagen Motorsport where he was responsible for the technical development of the ground-breaking and technology-leading, ID.R electric race car, that achieved multiple records at Pikes Peak and the Nurburgring. He was also responsible for the dominant Polo R WRC, which won all three titles in the World Rally Championship four times in a row from 2013 to 2016.

During his career, he worked with both Renault and Peugeot on Formula One, Touring Car and World Rally projects before being appointed as Chief Rally Engineer for the Subaru World Rally team. He joined Volkswagen Motorsport in 2011, before becoming Technical Director with overall responsibility for all of the brand’s motorsport projects in 2016.

Jost Capito, Chief Executive Officer for Williams Racing said: “We are delighted to welcome FX to the team. I have seen his technical capabilities first-hand, and his sporting successes speak for themselves. Bringing in someone of his calibre to our already experienced technical team will help drive the future direction of our operation and strengthen our team.

"I have no doubt that his knowledge will contribute to us taking another important step towards our ambitions of winning again. At Williams, we have an exciting challenge ahead of us, and I look forward to seeing FX contribute as we continue on this journey.”

François-Xavier Demaison said. “I am really looking forward to joining Williams Racing, as they begin an exciting journey to turn their performance around. It’s going to be a great challenge, but one that I am eager to start. They have a great team of talented people, and I hope I can work with them and the senior management team to help carve out a direction for the future, to help the team achieve its ambitions.”