Pat Fry as Williams Racing new Chief Technical Officer


By Williams Racing
July 28 2023

 
 Pat Fry as Williams Racing new Chief Technical Officer
 
Pat Fry
 

Williams Racing today announces the appointment of Pat Fry as the team's new Chief Technical Officer. With an illustrious career spanning over three decades in the motorsport industry, Pat brings a wealth of experience and expertise to his new role, further strengthening the team's technical leadership. Pat will begin his role on 1 November 2023.

Born in Surrey, Pat began his Formula 1 journey in 1987 and, since then, he has held senior engineering positions at some of the sport's most prestigious teams, including McLaren and Ferrari. Throughout his career, Pat has played a pivotal role in achieving numerous successes and contributing to multiple race and championship victories.

During his time at McLaren, which spanned an impressive 17 years, Pat made significant contributions to the team's success. He was instrumental in securing 66 Grand Prix wins, one Constructors' Championship victory, and three Drivers' Championships. Starting as a Race Engineer on the test team developing active suspension, Pat's talents were quickly recognised, leading him to hold various positions within the team, including the role of Chief Engineer and race engineering positions with F1 World Champion Mika Häkkinen and multiple GP winner David Coulthard.

In 2010, Pat embarked on a new chapter in his career, joining Ferrari as Assistant Technical Director. Over the years, he took on crucial roles such as Head of Race Track Engineering, Director of Chassis, and Director of Engineering at the Maranello-based team.

After a short break, Pat returned to Formula 1 in 2016 as an Engineering Consultant for Manor Racing before temporarily rejoining McLaren as Engineering Director on a contract basis in 2018. His technical acumen and leadership contributed to McLaren's notable fourth-place finish in the Constructor's battle, the team's best championship result since 2012.
In February 2020, Pat joined the Alpine F1 Team as Chassis Technical Director, then assumed the position of Chief Technical Officer in February 2022. In this capacity, he oversaw all technical activities at the Enstone-based team.

Now, Pat is poised to bring his wealth of knowledge and expertise to Williams Racing, commencing his role as Chief Technical Officer later this year. With his vast experience and proven track record, Pat is set to play a pivotal role in driving technical excellence and innovation within the team.

James Vowles, Team Principal, Williams Racing: “On behalf of all at Williams Racing, I’m delighted to be welcoming Pat. His knowledge and experience will further strengthen the team's technical capabilities and pursuit of excellence as we build the next chapter of Williams. Pat has been a core part of winning teams throughout his career, he is one of the most respected experts in our industry and I’m excited to begin work with him when he joins in November.”

Pat Fry, Chief Technical Officer, Williams Racing: "I am thrilled to be joining Williams Racing as Chief Technical Officer. The team has a rich heritage in Formula 1, and I am excited to contribute to its future success. I believe in the team's potential and, together, we will strive for excellence on and off the track."

 

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Pat Fry as Williams Racing new Chief Technical Officer
Discussion started by Williams F1 , 28/07/2023 14:11
Williams F1
28/07/2023 14:11
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Gwanni
28/07/2023 14:14
Top notch names for top post at Williams. Definitely not a rushed decision

Stuart L
28/07/2023 14:18
I think this is good news. Ok he’s not Newey, but he’s got a lot of experience and Williams need that. He comes across as a ‘leader’.

A side benefit is that I think Alpine / Enstone is in danger of imploding and not looking a happy place to work. Too much shuffling if the pack from Renault corporate people and looking the most unstable team on the grid at present. Geographically they are the closest team to Williams. 30-40 minutes away. Pat knows Enstone…think he can pull good people across with him. Far easier to recruit staff who don’t need to move house so poaching from Enstone can help us.

I’m sure there will be more news on new recruits soon.

Stuart L
28/07/2023 14:30
I wrote the above post before Reading that Alpine have sacked their team principal and also are moving Alan Permane on!

Stu69
28/07/2023 14:48
Quote:
Stuart L
I wrote the above post before Reading that Alpine have sacked their team principal and also are moving Alan Permane on!

A talent drain is in the offing!

Stu69
28/07/2023 14:49
Good appointment. We are on the up!

Mehryar
28/07/2023 15:31
Someone pointed out about Pat Fry and Chester to join Williams from Alpine.So it's good to get the confirmation atleast on one of them.

I don't know about what Alpine is doing, I think some of you guys say the brand is useless in Europe and if so then why should Renault invest alot in its advertising with very limited sales number? Then they look to be the only car manufacturer who's left behind with their investments in F1.And then their current PU is said to be 30 hp down in power compared to others.Their boss is moaning all the time too...Looks to be a mess.
No wonder people are getting out of there, whether it's Nando and Oscar or technical staff.

Any chances that Andretti stepping in? They can still get an engine there and have an european base ready for them.

http://img150.imageshack.us/img150/1095/mehryarsigyo7.gif

an.jo
28/07/2023 19:29
Hmm, bit disappointed, was hoping for a new name not a retread. Seems a high floor/ low ceiling hire.

Stuart L
28/07/2023 22:14
Jo Saward column. He thinks Binotto to Alpine, and thinks Pat Fry to us is great.

Stu69
29/07/2023 06:40
I wonder if Alpine are over the cost cap and the bosses at Renault are punishing the current Alpine bosses. Doesn’t sound like a happy place at the moment. The rot started when they failed to secure Alonso. That must hurt every time the Aston does well.

Stuart L
29/07/2023 07:03
Stu. There’s been so many f ups at Alpine in the last year.

Losing Alonso, not taking up Piastri option in time, then wasting money taking it to the CRB.

Basically they’ve gone from having one of the best free drivers on the grid and the next potential superstar under option to having two distinctly average French drivers who crash into one another.

Car going backwards on the grid.

That’s why heads are rolling.

crusty_bread
30/07/2023 09:17
Mclarens active suspension was excellent by 1993 and imo was key to sennas wonderlap of Donnington and to making the williams drivers look so second rate in wet conditions. If pat fry was behind that, and the brake steer system and the fduct then fair play to him. Most of williams successes in its history have come from technical innovation, to forward vision, eg ground effect, or active ride. The fact that williams have got a guy who can successfully innovate is very encouraging.

He's not a substitute for a chassis designer or aerodynamisicst but thats not vowles intention. Hes the kind of guy to set strategy and agendas and spot opportunities with vowles in a way that worked so well for mclaren when he helped rebuild them a few years ago.

GPL
30/07/2023 10:51
thumbs down

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