P1racenews AI automatic summary:
New Williams chief technical officer Pat Fry has explained his reasoning for walking away from the Alpine Formula 1 team earlier this year, revealing that he felt the Renault Group ownership lacked the “drive and enthusiasm” to climb higher than fourth in the championship
Pat Fry, the new chief technical officer of Williams, revealed that he left the Alpine Formula 1 team earlier this year because he felt the Renault Group ownership lacked the motivation and passion to achieve higher than fourth place in the championship. Despite playing a crucial role in Alpine’s improvement, Fry was convinced to join Williams by James Vowles, citing the support and investment of the ownership, Dorilton Capital, as a key factor. Fry started questioning the direction of Alpine at the beginning of the year, and criticisms from then-Alpine CEO Laurent Rossi during the Miami Grand Prix weekend further influenced his decision to leave. Fry is excited about the opportunity at Williams because the board is fully committed to investing and supporting the team’s progress, allowing them to rebuild an old British icon. This contrast highlights doubts about whether Renault Group is providing Enstone, the home of Alpine, with the necessary autonomy and support to become a frontrunner in F1.
