New Williams owners 'not afraid of change' - Button

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Williams' senior advisor Jenson Button says the British outfit's new owners are not afraid of change, insisting the team's experienced senior management has some "great ideas" while optimism is now prevailing at Grove.

Last summer, the Williams family transferred its ownership of F1's third most successful team in history to US investment firm Dorilton Capital.

In the wake of change, Dorilton appointed Simon Roberts as team principal, while former McLaren man and Volkswagen motorsport boss Jost Capito was recently named as the team's CEO.

Button, who will collaborate with Williams this season as a senior advisor to the team, believes the individuals now steering his former outfit have the expertise and drive to pull the British squad up the grid.

"They’re not afraid of change," Button told Sky Sports F1.

"In F1, I think all of the teams have things that they do, a way they work and go about it.

"I think that they’re trying to change that, trying to change the sport up a little bit.

"The people that are running the team are very experienced, they have some great ideas and there’s a good atmosphere within the team.

"The team has won multiple world championships – obviously things change over time and people come and go. But the core of the team is still there."

Read also: Roberts aiming to keep 'family feeling' at Williams

Button highlighted the wave of confidence that is sweeping Williams.

"There’s a new sense of optimism, a lot of positive changes for the future," he added. "Things don’t change overnight, but they’re on the right trajectory at the moment.

"I can’t wait to go to Grove and spend some time with the drivers, some of the staff, I’ll also be doing some stuff with the grand prix weekends when I’m there."

Button's task will involve offering guidance to Williams drivers George Russel and Nicholas Latifi, but also to the team's junior chargers.

And as an added bonus to his new job, the 2009 world champion may even get back behind the wheel of a Williams F1 car.

"I’ll be working with the current drivers, I’ll also be working with the academy drivers," Button said.

"But in terms of driving the current car, that’s probably a no. There’s definitely some opportunity to drive some heritage cars."

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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.