Williams Announce Management Reshuffle

The SMG will be the "key decision-making forum" within the team, and it is intended to enhance performance throughout Williams "through a more focused allocation of responsibilities, leading to improved target setting and deliverability."

The team said Frank Williams will retain his position as team principal, while Patrick Head will still be in charge of engineering. Sam Michael will still be the team's technical director.

"This is a positive step which reflects the long term success, rapid growth and increased complexity of both WilliamsF1 and Formula One in general," said Williams.

"I am confident that the changes we are announcing today will improve overall performance within WilliamsF1 and will allow Patrick and myself to spend more of our time focused on ensuring we deliver key targets upon which the success of the company depends."

Williams said Chris Chapple has been named chief executive officer, while Alex Burns will be the team's chief operating officer. Jim Wright keeps his role as head of marketing while John Healey will be the head of legal services.