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Paddy Lowe focused on bringing Williams back to the front

As Paddy Lowe completes his first year with Williams, the tech chief says changes are in store to bring the Grove-based outfit back to the front of the grid.

Lowe left Mercedes at the beginning of 2017 after a very successful period with the German outfit, and joined Williams, where he actually started his F1 career back in the late '80s, enticed by the prospect of becoming the team's technical director but also an active partner and shareholder.

Under Lowe's guidance this year, Williams initiated changes and a new approach to its design efforts in a bid to iron out the team's inconsistent performance and move up the grid.

The team's development is still in full swing however, insists Lowe.

"We are aware both of what is on the market and the need to strengthen in all areas," he told Brazil's Globo.

"I have already made some changes in the way the 2018 project was conducted, and at the moment I am satisfied with what I can see," he added.

Despite his move to Williams, which many perceived as a step back in his career following his successful stint with front-runner Mercedes, Lowe insists he is perfectly happy with his choice to date.

"I love my job," he said.

"I've always been employed, but now I have the opportunity to look at the overall project in terms of getting Williams fighting for wins again, not as technical director but also as a partner."

Asked what Williams needs to do to start winning again, he answered: "You need great engineers, an efficient track team, and everything working from an operational point of view.

"When this happens, you get more investors and a better budget," Lowe added.

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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.

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