Toro Rosso technical director James Key is in line to replace Pat Symonds when the Williams chief technical officer retires at the end of the 2017 Formula One season, German-language publication Auto Motor und Sport reports.
After successful stints at Sauber and Force India, Key has continued to grow into a highly-rated figure in the paddock and earned praise for the recent Toro Rosso chassis.
Ferrari reportedly approached him over the summer in the light of James Allison’s departure. However, team boss Franz Tost has been quick to say that Key will see his contract with the Faenza-based squad through, and even labelled him as the ‘heir apparent’ to Red Bull design guru Adrian Newey.
Auto Motor und Sport says that Key’s Toro Rosso deal expires at the end of 2017, with the British engineer then moving to Grove in lieu of Symonds.
Respected journalist Michael Schmidt adds that Allison, for his part, has already been courted by several teams following his exit from Maranello. These include Renault, McLaren, and Red Bull where Newey is only involved part-time on the F1 programme.
2016 Malaysian Grand Prix - Quotes of the week
F1i's driver ratings for the 2016 Malaysian Grand Prix
FULL REPORT: Ricciardo wins in Malaysia as Hamilton retires from lead
Breakfast with... Gianni Morbidelli
Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter
The sparks were flying at Suzuka – and right in the thick of it, Pierre…
The mood around Williams Racing has taken a distinctly ominous turn, as James Vowles confronts…
Last weekend’s Japanese Grand Prix delivered another trophy for Ferrari’s cabinet, but team boss Fred…
On this day in 1996, Damon Hill took the checkered flag at the Brazilian Grand…
Franco Colapinto’s management team stepped in after last Sunday’s Japanese Grand Prix to defend the…
An Aston Martin car finally crossed the finish in 2026, with Fernando Alonso completing the…