Williams F1 co-founder Patrick Head has announced this past week that he will leave the team’s Formula One operation to focus on the the hybrid programme.

This should be considered an end to an era in F1. Head founded the Williams F1 team along with Sir Frank Williams in 1977. Together they have competed in 558 races, 113 race victories, nine constructors’ championships, seven drivers’ championships, 126 pole positions and 130 fastest laps.

The team dominated F1 in the 1980s and 1990s and are considered one of the most successful of all time.

I have always been a fan of the team. Watching drivers such as Nigel Mansell, Alain Prost, Damon Hill and Jacques Villeneuve win races with Williams has been a highlight over the years.

However, they will be most known for the death of one of the greatest drivers of all time, Ayrton Senna, in 1994.

Head says this should not be considered as his retirement.

I find this whole thing rather strange. Why would Sir Frank let one of the most important members of the team go on the eve before they will spring back to the front of the grid?

They have secured Renault engines for next season and they have a possibility of a number of drivers to race for them.

I hope this doesn’t hamper the team’s momentum for next season. It’s like when your parents get divorced: you still see them both but it’s just not the same. Now, I’m not suggesting that the two had a fight, but why?

Sir Frank’s health is not what it used to be, and Head seemed like the obvious person to take over from him. The question is, will Head have more of a Ron Dennis retirement (checking in from time to time) or will he have nothing to do with the F1 operation?

Tags: #Frank Williams, #Renault