Pat Symonds, a former engineer who has been the Chief Technical Officer of Formula 1 since 2017, is reportedly ready to leave his position. Symonds was appointed to help improve the races and contribute his expertise in developing plans for the new ground effect cars that will be introduced in 2022. He also played a key role in the upcoming regulatory changes for 2026, which will allow active aerodynamics in the next generation of cars. However, with revised chassis rules set to be published soon, Symonds has decided that now is the right time to step away from his role in F1. Rumors suggest he may find a new position within the paddock in the near future, as he has been placed on paid leave.
Symonds has a long history in Formula 1, starting in the 1980s with Toleman and continuing through its transition to Benetton, where he was present for Michael Schumacher’s consecutive championship wins. However, he faced controversy in 2008 when he and Renault Team Principal Flavio Briatore were banned for their involvement in manipulating Fernando Alonso’s victory in Singapore. Symonds’ ban was later overturned, and he returned to F1 as a consultant for the Virgin team in 2011 before taking on the role of technical chief at Williams in 2013.
