Williams poach second senior F1 figure from Mercedes

Williams boss James Vowles has announced the signing of Claire Simpson from Mercedes - the second senior technical figure to change Brackley for Grove in as many months.

Simpson, a group aerodynamics leader, had been at Mercedes for over 10 years, but has left to take up the head of aerodynamic development position at Williams, with her first day on the job coming on the Friday of the Miami Grand Prix weekend. 

RacingNews365 understands that Simpson will be working closely in her new role with chief aerodynamicist Juan Molina. 

"We've also had Claire Simpson from Mercedes join us today," Vowles told media, including RacingNews365, as he revealed her signing. 

"So it is her first starting day, and we will go through and do announcements on this shortly, but there are some great people coming over the next three or four months."

Vowles also touched on the poaching of Dan Milner from Mercedes, who previously served as chief R&D engineer for the eight-time constructors' champions, and is now chief engineer of vehicle technology at Williams. 

"The impact Dan has made is already very significant and very quick, and we are doing swathes of work that he has experience on, and actually, we've taken a slightly different direction as a result of his input. 

"There is no resistance to change for greatness, and what I mean by that is that we will point ourselves in the right direction and follow along as long as there is a clear ambition and drive to this being at a championship-level, and Dan brings that."