Williams shareholder and now former board member Toto Wolff, will leave the Grove outfit, in which he owns a large stake, to take up a management position with Mercedes.
The position will likely see him replace the ousted Norbert Haug as director of the German marque’s motorsport activities.
In a statement, the team confirmed he would retain his ownership, but to avoid a conflict of interests, would relinquish his role on the board.
Co-owner and team principal Sir Frank Williams thanked the Austrian for his dedication, but ultimately says such an opportunity was too hard for Wolff to turn down.
“I would like to thank Toto for his hard work, dedication and commitment to the team during his time as a Director of the Company,” said Williams.
“He was a key support to me as Executive Director last season, deputising at a number of races when I was unable to attend.
“However, positions such as the one offered to him by Mercedes do not come around often. Toto has a long history with them and I certainly was not going to stand in the way of him accepting this once in a lifetime opportunity,” he added.
“Toto will retain his shareholding in Williams and will always have a place at Grove but make no mistake; we will fight him hard on the racetrack!
“I am sure he will be a strong asset for Mercedes and on behalf of the whole team I would like to wish him the best of luck in his new role.”
