Williams has confirmed that Dirk de Beer has stepped down from his role as Head of Aerodynamics at the struggling Formula 1 team.
Williams has endured a troublesome start to the 2018 season with its problematic FW41, having adopted a modified design philosophy.
The outfit sits at the foot of the 10-team Constructors’ Championship, with just four points to its name.
De Beer joined Williams from Ferrari at the start of 2017 and was a key figure in the design process of its 2018 challenger.
De Beer’s exit follows that of Ed Wood, who left his role as Chief Designer at the start of the month.
“Williams can confirm that Dirk De Beer has stepped down from his role as Head of Aerodynamics, effective immediately,” a statement confirmed.
“The team would like to thank Dirk for his hard work over the past year and wish him the best for the future.
“Chief Engineer, Doug McKiernan, who joined Williams earlier this year will now assume full responsibility over the aerodynamic and design direction of the car, with Dave Wheater stepping up to take on the role as Head of Aerodynamics.”
Williams has already begun a recovery programme in order to arrest its slide down the pecking order, having finished fifth in the standings last year.
Title sponsor since 2014, Martini, confirmed earlier this year that it would not renew its deal, which expires at the end of the current season.
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