Williams team boss Capito and technical director Demaison step aside!

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Williams Racing has announced a full management change, with CEO and team boss Jost Capito and technical director FX Demaison both departing the Grove-based outfit.

The announcement by Williams comes out of the blue, with Capito stepping aside after just two years on the job while Demaison joined the British outfit in 2021.

"It has been a huge privilege to lead Williams Racing for the last two seasons and to lay the foundations for the turnaround of this great team," said Capito.

"I look forward to watching the team as it continues on its path to future success."

Read also: Williams 'another two to three years' from full potential

Matthew Savage, Chairman, Dorilton Capital: "We would like to thank Jost for his hard work and dedication as we embarked on a major transformation process to begin the journey of reviving Williams Racing.

"We’re grateful that Jost postponed his planned retirement to take on this challenge and now he will pass the reins on for the next part of this staged process.

"We would also like to thank FX for his contribution and wish him all the best for his future as he moves on."

Williams stated that it will announce its new Team Principal and Technical Director "in due course".

While Williams' release is worded as if Capito's tenure was always going to be a temporary affair, it's hard not to link the pair's exit to potential events unfolding at Maranello and Hinwil.

Capito's move could imply that the former Volkswagen Motorsport boss's nomination as Fred Vasseur's successor at Audi-Sauber is imminent, with the Frenchman taking the reins of Ferrari as many expect.

As for Demaison, having previously worked under Capito's orders at Volkswagen, and then at Williams, following the German to Hinwil also seems like a logical step.

Wait and see…

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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.