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F1 News & Discussions => F1 Teams => Topic started by: John S on March 29, 2019, 01:47:12 PM

Title: Williams F1 drafts in Patrick Head as consultant for interim stability
Post by: John S on March 29, 2019, 01:47:12 PM
Sir Patrick seems the best option short term to get a bit of sanity back into the Grove outfits engineering/design side.
Hope he can stabilise and maybe even turn the drifting ship around. 

https://www.thecheckeredflag.co.uk/2019/03/sir-patrick-head-returns-to-williams-as-short-term-consultant/
Title: Re: Williams F1 drafts in Patrick Head as consultant for interim stability
Post by: Jericoke on March 29, 2019, 02:11:40 PM
Honestly, wondered why it took so long.

I'm guessing he doesn't want to risk his reputation stepping into a mess... but as a shareholder, he needs to watch out for the value of his share!  I wonder if he has someone specific he's looking to mentor?
Title: Re: Williams F1 drafts in Patrick Head as consultant for interim stability
Post by: Calman on March 29, 2019, 06:28:30 PM
That's wild, as I mentioned Patrick Head not that long ago, interesting developments indeed!!

I sincerely hope the new 2019 driver line up helps Williams find answers/direction for the team?

Best Regards,
Cal :)
Title: Re: Williams F1 drafts in Patrick Head as consultant for interim stability
Post by: Scott on March 29, 2019, 06:49:44 PM
It’s an interesting move.  He may very well be the guy who could find the right new tech staff.  I hope so.  :good:
Title: Re: Williams F1 drafts in Patrick Head as consultant for interim stability
Post by: lkjohnson1950 on March 29, 2019, 07:49:57 PM
If I were him, I'd start working on next year's car now.
Title: Re: Williams F1 drafts in Patrick Head as consultant for interim stability
Post by: cosworth151 on March 29, 2019, 09:43:16 PM
I really hope he can help. This is where the in-season testing ban really hurts.
Title: Re: Williams F1 drafts in Patrick Head as consultant for interim stability
Post by: guest3164 on March 30, 2019, 08:05:42 AM
I am cautious about this to be honest.  In F1 terms, he is out of date with the modern technology and that may be a problem.  In terms of being a people person, wasn't he notoriously fierce which, given the rumblings of Williams being a miserable place to work, may make things even worse. 
Title: Re: Williams F1 drafts in Patrick Head as consultant for interim stability
Post by: Calman on March 30, 2019, 08:28:05 AM
On paper, it may appear crazy ... but who knows, it may surprise us all, even if a little.

It's a bit like allowing a bull to run through a china shop .... twice.

Best Regards,
Cal :)
Title: Re: Williams F1 drafts in Patrick Head as consultant for interim stability
Post by: Alianora La Canta on March 30, 2019, 12:00:47 PM
In terms of being a people person, wasn't he notoriously fierce which, given the rumblings of Williams being a miserable place to work, may make things even worse.

He was, but Nico Rosberg said he was noticeably gentler in the years he was there.

I'm not sure it's the answer, but a familiar face from the more successful past may raise morale among the older members of the crew.
Title: Re: Williams F1 drafts in Patrick Head as consultant for interim stability
Post by: Calman on March 30, 2019, 10:05:31 PM
From footage I've watched, Patrick has mellowed a little over the last few years, but as outlined, he needs to get up to speed on currently F1 technology quickly, if he stands any chance of elevating Williams current situation.  I do wish him well, as surely they can do something this year, in the hope of being in a better place next season??

Best Regards,
Cal :)
Title: Re: Williams F1 drafts in Patrick Head as consultant for interim stability
Post by: Scott on March 31, 2019, 12:54:45 AM
I don’t think they brought him in to learn the current tech, but just to help build a competent tech team and structure.
Title: Re: Williams F1 drafts in Patrick Head as consultant for interim stability
Post by: Calman on March 31, 2019, 02:38:25 AM
I don’t think they brought him in to learn the current tech, but just to help build a competent tech team and structure.
I never suggested they did ... all I am saying, is that in order to collectively bring the team together, he would be expected to be "brought up to speed" on current F1 tech/regulations bla bla bla.   Regardless of the fact that he has been brought in to Williams to help structure the tech team, any current F1 knowledge (tech or otherwise) can only help with the bigger picture of his temporary assistance in the team.

Best Regards,
Cal :)
Title: Re: Williams F1 drafts in Patrick Head as consultant for interim stability
Post by: Scott on March 31, 2019, 03:15:41 AM
Sure, any current knowledge would be helpful, but do you think Williams has time for that?

I honestly think he’s just a branch of their HR.
Title: Re: Williams F1 drafts in Patrick Head as consultant for interim stability
Post by: Calman on March 31, 2019, 04:15:37 AM
Sure, any current knowledge would be helpful, but do you think Williams has time for that?

I honestly think he’s just a branch of their HR.

Well, it's not as if they have to fix an issue "quickly" to secure a competitive edge at the front of the grid, so yes, lack of time is the least of their worries in 2019.  Personally, if I had to make a choice between "timeline recovery" or "getting to the route of the problem" ... I know which avenue I would pursue!

Best Regards,
Cal :)
Title: Re: Williams F1 drafts in Patrick Head as consultant for interim stability
Post by: John S on March 31, 2019, 11:52:14 AM
Sometimes when your in a hole in business knowing who has some useful ideas - and more importantly letting them run with them - whichever level they come from - makes the difference.
I think Patricks role will be more about allowing alternate voices to be heard and given a chance to show their substance.

Whilst presumably his other big job is rebuilding the tech team and structure which appears to have become too corporate, not enough for Paddy - which is why he couldn't cope; but too much to allow quick deviations from the laid down plans.

His role should also be finding the next James Allinson, James Key - or whisper it softly Adrian.
Well I hope that's what he's there for.  ;) 

   
Title: Re: Williams F1 drafts in Patrick Head as consultant for interim stability
Post by: guest3164 on March 31, 2019, 12:08:28 PM
I hope that's what he's there for, but as a Williams fan I feel I've been in this situation a few times in the last 15 or so years.  Only Symonds' appointment saw any real upsurge in performance.  Lowe was supposed to have been the big thing to drive the team forward, it didn't work.  Sam Michael didn't work, Mike Coughlan barely worked.  I just cannot feel optimistic that Head's return (even if only as a consultant) will see any positive impact in the medium to long term. 
Title: Re: Williams F1 drafts in Patrick Head as consultant for interim stability
Post by: Alianora La Canta on April 01, 2019, 10:02:39 PM
I think Williams is also looking for a more long-term replacement for Lowe - I don't they expected to be dumping him at this point of the season, and it's not exactly attractive to the sort of people who could meaningfully help it win.
Title: Re: Williams F1 drafts in Patrick Head as consultant for interim stability
Post by: guest3164 on April 08, 2019, 08:00:44 PM
To be honest, I am warming to the idea of Head being involved.  It cannot possibly be any worse than how things have started this season.  I wonder if Dickie Stanford can switch over a little from the heritage branch as well (seriously) as more of the guys from the past can surely only inspire the current lot. 
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