Williams has confirmed Paddy Lowe has left the team following an extended period of absence.
The former Mercedes boss was seen as the man that could help revive the British team when he joined as technical director in 2017.
Instead, it has been a disaster with an attempt to change the design philosophy last year resulting in a flawed car which dropped Williams to the back of the grid.
And this season, the situation got worse as a delayed to the start of pre-season testing left the Grove-based outfit playing catch up and now, eight races in, the team remains considerably slower than the rest of the field.
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Following the problems in testing, Lowe was put on a leave of absence with Williams co-founder Patrick Head drafted back in as an advisor.
The position of the Briton since then has been unknown but now he has taken the decision to move on.
“After a period of careful reflection, I have reached the decision that I will not return to work at Williams,” he said in a statement.
“I wish all my previous colleagues the very best to meet the challenges ahead, which I am sure they will do. I would especially like to thank the Williams fans who are so supportive.”
Deputy team boss Claire Williams noted Lowe’s exit, adding: “We understand and respect the decision Paddy has reached and wish him well for the future.”