Williams has announced that it has signed former McLaren stalwart Oliver Turvey as the team’s new Test and Development Driver ahead of the 2025 Formula 1 season.
Turvey had been with McLaren since 2010, taking part in the Young Drivers Test at the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and then progressing to a testing role in 2012.
The Briton had remained with McLaren ever since, dovetailing his duties behind the scenes with a race seat in the all-electric Formula E series between 2014 and 2022.
But having assisted in McLaren’s return to the pinnacle with a Constructors’ Championship win in 2024, Turvey has departed to take up the exact same role at Williams.
Turvey will be tasked with supporting permanent drivers Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz as the Grove-based squad plots a path back to competing at the sharp end.
“I am delighted to join Williams. It’s an honour to have the opportunity to join such an historic and successful team,” Turvey said.
“I have long admired Williams and watching Damon Hill win the World Championship for them is a moment that inspired me as I began my own racing career in karting.
“The ambition and determination driving this project are incredibly inspiring, and I’m excited for the challenge ahead to help bring the team back to the top.
“It is a privilege to work alongside Alex and Carlos, who I consider two of the best drivers in F1.
“I look forward to using my experience as both a driver and engineer to work closely with the team at Grove to enhance the car’s performance in the simulator and support the race team.
“I would like to thank James [Vowles], Sven [Smeet], and the Board for putting their trust in me. I will give everything I have to help the team achieve success.”
Turvey, a Le Mans 24 Hours winner in sportscar racing, will also help to develop Williams’ new state-of-the-art driver in-loop (DIL) simulator that will come online in 2025.
Williams Sporting Director Smeets added: “We’re very happy to welcome Oliver to the team.
“He brings a vast amount of experience and expertise that will be invaluable to our progression as we continue to strengthen the team across the board. The role of a test and development driver is vital to our journey back towards success, and I am confident that Oliver, who will join Harrison Scott, will result in a strong team developing the current and future cars.”
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