Previously, Smeets was the team manager of Volkswagen’s WRC facility, working under current Williams CEO and team principal Jost Capito.
After collaborating in winning three consecutive WRC Drivers and Constructors’ titles, Smeets assumed the role of motorsport director of the marque in 2016, when Capito left the VW group to join McLaren in F1.
Smeets continued as Volkswagen’s motorsport manager for over four years, but has now joined Williams’ management as part of the ongoing restructuring within the team.
Capito assumed responsibility for Williams earlier this year, following the departure of team principal Simon Roberts, and found the need to restructure the management arm, including hiring a new sporting director.
A role that Smeets took on last month, starting with the Qatar Grand Prix, even though his appointment had not been formally announced by the team. His is just the latest arrival from Volkswagen, following that of Capito last December and technical director FX Demaison in March.
According to the Williams website, Smeets will be “responsible for sport governance and team representation in all sporting matters relating to the FIA, other teams and motorsport associations”.
In addition, he will also be the head of the youth academy, which currently includes Jack Aitken, Roy Nissany and Jamie Chadwick.
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