Williams CEO O’Driscoll announces retirement
Outgoing Williams CEO Mike O'Driscoll has announced his intention to retire following the sale of the Formula 1 team.
Williams announced ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix that it had been sold to American investment fund Dorilton Capital, safeguarding the team's future following a period of financial uncertainty.
The sale of the team has led to a number of changes at Grove, including the exit of the Williams family following Sunday's Italian Grand Prix at Monza.
Williams announced last week the new composition of the board of directors, featuring Dorilton founders Matthew Savage and Darren Fultz, as well as former racing driver James Matthews.
O'Driscoll had previously been on the board of directors at Williams, but in an announcement on Tuesday, Williams said that the 64-year-old was planning to retire following his exit from the team.
O'Driscoll will "the smooth transition of ownership through this year and ensure that the team is well positioned to build for the future", according to Williams.
"It has been and remains a huge privilege to be part of this great team," O'Driscoll said.
"I am proud to have played my part in securing the long-term future of Williams and look forward to working closely with Matthew and his team, to ensure a smooth transition and the best possible trajectory for the team's future success."
Dorilton and Williams chairman Savage added: "Mike has made a huge contribution as CEO, working alongside the Williams family since the IPO in 2011.
"He has steered the corporate side of the group admirably through challenging times and has been invaluable in preparing Williams for the next exciting phase."
It marks the latest major management departure at Williams following that of team founder Sir Frank Williams and deputy team principal Claire Williams after the Monza race weekend.
Claire Williams had been offered the chance to stay on at the team, but felt it was the "right choice" to leave.
Williams is yet to announce who will take over the day-to-day running of the squad, but an interim appointment is due to be made ahead of this weekend's Tuscan Grand Prix at Mugello.
Share Or Save This Story
1998 Belgian GP: When the Schumachers went to war
The race that transformed perceptions of Red Bull
Hamilton in the process of selecting Brad Pitt’s co-star for F1 movie
What the drivers are expecting from F1's return to Sepang
How Carlos Sainz bounced back from the most difficult moment of his F1 career
How Fernando Alonso scored ninth at Zandvoort - and how Alex Albon lost a similar payday
Gran Turismo 7 reveals huge free Spec IV update ahead of 30th anniversary
Charles Leclerc explains why Bahrain GP chaos has reinforced F1 driver fears
Redemption at Road Atlanta: Kevin Estre breaks IMSA victory curse in thrilling Petit Le Mans finish
Winners and losers from an intriguing NASCAR Cup race at Las Vegas
How F1 let a golden opportunity slip at Sepang
How the Bahrain GP in Malaysia exposed Red Bull’s hidden resurgence
You Ask The Questions: Emerson Fittipaldi
The wide world of strategy options expected in F1's Bahrain GP in Malaysia
Subscribe and access Motorsport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
Top Comments