According to what Motorsport.com has learned, Pat Symonds, technical director of Formula 1, will leave his post after seven years in the role.
Symonds has been part of the F1 organization since 2017, having worked as part of a team that shaped the technical regulations of grands prix to improve racing.
In addition to contributing to the new era of ground effects in 2022, he was also involved in the creation of the all-new cars planned for 2026.
But with the chassis part of these future rules due to be published early next month, Symonds decided some time ago to leave the F1 organisation.
While there has been no official announcement, F1 staff are understood to have been informed of the developments on Monday. Symonds has taken leave with immediate effect.
It has long been predicted that the completion of the 2026 regulations would be the ideal time for Symonds to end his involvement with F1.
In fact, the possibility of resigning had been discussed for some time.
It’s unclear what Symonds’ next plans are but, as he is approaching his 71st birthday, it’s possible he feels it’s the perfect time to step away from a day job.
A few years ago, after the 2022 rules came into force, Symonds considered retiring for a short period, before deciding to continue working for the next era of rules.
However, the fact that he has been placed on leave suggests that he has no intention of quitting F1 and intends to move elsewhere.
Symonds has a long career in Grand Prix racing, having started at Toleman, which later became Benetton. He was an important part of the team’s successes in the mid-90s under Michael Schumacher.
After leaving the Renault team following the 2008 Singapore Grand Prix controversy, he spent time at Virgin and Williams before joining F1.
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