Williams Racing has announced earlier this morning the appointment of François-Xavier Demaison as the new Technical Director.

This change is one of the many steps that, according to Williams Racing’s new management, will serve to return to the front of the grid and will complement the existing talented team at Grove.

François-Xavier, best known as ‘FX’, will be responsible for all the technical operation of the business including the Design and Aerodynamic functions, and he’ll be directly reporting to CEO, Jost Capito.  

Capito commented on the decision stating: “We are delighted to welcome FX to the team. I have seen his technical capabilities first-hand, and his sporting successes speak for themselves.  

Bringing in someone of his calibre to our already experienced technical team will help drive the future direction of our operation and strengthen our team. I have no doubt that his knowledge will contribute to us taking another important step towards our ambitions of winning again.  

At Williams, we have an exciting challenge ahead of us, and I look forward to seeing FX contribute as we continue on this journey.” 

Demaison has spent the last decade working at Volkswagen Motorsport, which he joined in 2011. After only five years, he became Technical Director and was given overall responsibility for all of the brand’s motorsport projects.  

More specifically, he was in charge of the technical development of the cutting-edge ID.R electric race car, which broke multiple records at Pikes Peak and the Nurburgring. He is also the mind behind the Polo R WRC, which won all three titles in the World Rally Championship from 2013 to 2016.  

‘FX’ is not new to Formula One either - during his career he collaborated with both Renault and Peugeot on Formula One, Touring Car and World Rally projects before being appointed as Chief Rally Engineer for the Subaru World Rally Team.

“I am really looking forward to joining Williams Racing, as they begin an exciting journey to turn their performance around. It’s going to be a great challenge, but one that I am eager to start.

"They have a great team of talented people, and I hope I can work with them and the senior management team to help carve out a direction for the future, to help the team achieve its ambitions.” Demaison said.