Lowe joins Williams as technical officer and investor

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Former Mercedes tech boss Paddy Lowe has now been confirmed as Williams new technical officer, a role he assumes immediately.

Lowe will take on "overall management responsibility for the engineering operation", and will also sit on the company's board of directors as an active shareholder.

"I've always had a deep respect for Williams - my first team in Formula 1," said Lowe, who previously worked for the team from 1987 to 1993.

"It is a huge honour to return in this leadership position and to have the opportunity to become a shareholder. I am extremely motivated to play my part in bringing success back to the team.

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"The vision for the future set out by the Williams board is powerful and has compelled me to join an organisation committed to building on its unique legacy and to reaching the pinnacle of Formula 1 once again.

"I'm looking forward to this exciting new phase to my career working with Claire, Mike and Nick and with the rest of this great team - especially Frank himself, who is one of the most committed "racers" I know!"

The 54-year-old engineer was put on gardening leave following his decision to leave Mercedes earlier this year. It is believed Lowe was seeking a more leading role with the Silver Arrows team, but one which the German manufacturer could not provide.

Claire Williams said: “I am delighted that the team is welcoming Paddy back to Williams in the role of Chief Technical Officer.

"Having someone of Paddy’s calibre and engineering competence is not only a morale boost for everyone at Williams, but I know it will also significantly support our efforts to return this team back to the front of the grid.

"Our ambitions at Williams are unwavering, we want to win races and championships, but to do that you need the best talent in the business.

"In Paddy we believe we have just that as well as a leader who will drive change. This is a game changer for us and once again makes us extremely excited about this team’s future.”

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.