F1: Williams parts company with Symonds

Pat Symonds will leave his role as chief technical officer at Williams at the end of the year, paving the way for Paddy Lowe to join the team.

Having joined Williams in 2013, Symonds was part of a resurgence at the team as it recovered from a slump in form to finish third in the constructors' championship in 2014 and repeat that result a year later. However, this season was less successful as it dropped to fifth place behind fellow Mercedes customer outfit Force India.

Williams announced Symonds will leave the team on Dec. 31, with deputy team principal Claire Williams confirming his departure.

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"Pat has been a tremendous asset to this team over the past three years," Williams said. "Pat's appointment was the start of a major restructuring exercise, and he has been pivotal in reshaping Williams into what is a much stronger racing team today. I would like to thank him for all of his hard work and commitment during that time. We now look to the future and will be announcing details regarding the team's technical leadership in due course."

Williams is facing an uncertain winter as the team has been in negotiations with Mercedes about the possibility of Valtteri Bottas replacing Nico Rosberg next season. Bottas has emerged as the favourite for the seat, but Williams is only willing for the Finn to leave if it secures a suitable, experienced replacement.

To that end, Felipe Massa has been approached about returning to the team having originally retired from F1 at the end of the season. Massa has reportedly been offered just over $6 million to reverse his retirement decision and partner rookie Lance Stroll in next year's line-up, with Williams sponsor Martini not willing to have two drivers under the age of 25.