Jost Capito named CEO, Simon Roberts confirmed

For a new position, people often talk about the crucial period of the first 100 days. This is approximately the time Dorilton Fund has given itself to enforce its strategic choices, notably who would lead the Grove team. The choice was therefore Jost Capito, a man with experience in motorsports.

Jost Capito built most of his career in rallying, having won world titles with both Ford (2006 and 2007) and Volkswagen (between 2013 and 2016). However, he is not entirely unknown in F1, having been on Sauber’s executive committee in 1996. Twenty years later, he rejoined the paddock, this time with McLaren. However, he was once again forced to leave after just one season, amidst Ron Dennis’ departure and a power struggle during the succession.

At Williams, his roadmap will be clear: enabling the team to regain its former glory, having won nine Constructors’ titles, making it the second-best team in the history of the discipline, behind Ferrari. He will report directly to Matthew Savage, the chairman of the board of Dorilton and Williams.

Under his direct responsibility will be Simon Roberts. Arriving on June 1, 2020, he had retained his functions during the ownership change. Since then, he has held the position of interim team director. Today’s confirmation will therefore allow him to remove this interim status and be fully installed in the role. It is a sign of stability for Williams, as they will keep both their drivers, including the promising George Russell. The season will primarily focus on developments for the new regulations, applicable from 2022, which represent the best opportunity to shake up the established order, as Williams has finished in the tenth and last position in the last three seasons.