The Williams F1 team has announced the appointment of Mike Coughlan into the role of chief engineer, starting in June of this season.
Coughlan is best known for his role in the ‘spygate’ scandal between McLaren and Ferrari in 2007. At the time, he worked for the former, receiving technical data from the Italian outfit.
He was then fired from McLaren and has since been applying his skills principally as Chief Engineer in the development of the Ocelot Light Protected Patrol Vehicle as well as working with Michael Waltrip Racing in NASCAR.
Frank Williams, Team Principal, said of the appointment: “Mike Coughlan is a fine engineer with extensive experience across Formula One and both civil and defence engineering.
“He left Formula One in 2007 because of conduct which he acknowledges was wrong and which he profoundly regrets. His two year ban from the sport expired some time ago and Mike is now determined to prove himself again.
“Williams is delighted to be able to give him the opportunity to do this and we are very pleased to have one of the most talented and competitive engineers in the sport helping us to return to the front of the grid. This is the first step in re-building and strengthening our technical group. We will announce the next steps as they develop.”
Mike added, “I am grateful to Williams for giving me this opportunity. My experience in 2007 was life-changing. Since then, I have endeavoured to put my skills to good use in the design of the Ocelot vehicle whose purpose is to transport soldiers in safety. I have also enjoyed my time with Michael Waltrip Racing: they are an excellent race team and I wish them well for the future. Now, I am looking forward to returning to a sport which I love and to joining a team that I have admired for many years. I will dedicate myself to the team and to ensuring that we return to competitiveness while respecting the ethical standards with which Williams has always been synonymous.”
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