Williams’ lead aerodynamicist Dirk De Beer has left the team, following a torrid start to the 2018 season.
Just over a month since the departure of chief designer Ed Wood from the team, Williams have confirmed that their Head of Aerodynamics, Dirk De Beer, has also left. From South Africa, De Beer joined Williams from Ferrari, where he had worked in the same role between 2013 & 2017.
Prior to Ferrari, he was with Renault between 2008 & 2013, having joined Enstone from BMW Sauber, where he had worked since 2003.
Williams confirmed De Beer’s departure and said that Chief Engineer Doug McKiernan, who joined the team in Feburary having worked at McLaren for 15 years, will “assume full responsibility over the aerodynamic and design direction of the car”.
They added: “Dave Wheater is stepping up to take on the role as Head of Aerodynamics.
“The team would like to thank Dirk for his hard work over the past year and wish him the best for the future.”
The fallout from the start of this season continues, with both race drivers & reserve driver Robert Kubica bemoaning the undriveability of the new FW41, which appears to suffer from a fundamental lack of grip and balance. The team are currently on just four points, and are last in the Constructor’s Championship.
