Williams Formula 1 Head of Performance Engineering Rob Smedley will leave the team "at the end of a dismal season" for the former world champion, which is "struggling to score points," according to Alan Baldwin of REUTERS. The 44-year-old joined the British team from Ferrari in '14 with now-departed Brazilian driver Felipe Massa, with whom he had a "very close working relationship as his race engineer." Williams quoted Smedley in a statement as saying that after 20 years in F1, "It's the right time to reflect on things and evaluate what the next move is." He added, "I'm thoroughly looking forward to spending more time with my family before deciding on future opportunities." Williams is last in the constructors' standings with a "meagre seven points" from 19 races so far this season despite having the same engines as champion Mercedes (REUTERS, 11/5). The BBC's Andrew Benson reported Smedley "became part of F1 folklore" after a controversy over Ferrari team orders at the 2010 German Grand Prix, "famously telling" Massa, "Fernando (Alonso) is faster than you. Can you confirm you understood that message." It was a "coded team order for Massa to cede the lead" to his teammate to help the Spaniard's championship challenge. Williams Deputy Team Principal Claire Williams said that she "totally understands and respects his decision to take some well-deserved time out to spend with his wife and boys" (BBC, 11/5).
'JUST WRONG': PLANET F1 reported Porsche will not be "knocking on F1's door any time soon," with a Volkswagen source saying that the time for entering F1 is "just wrong." Porsche was reportedly considering entering F1 in '21, its possible return "coinciding with new engine regulations." Meanwhile, former Ferrari exec Stefano Domenicali also "ruled out" Lamborghini throwing its name into the ring. He said, "The investment needed just to participate, let alone win, is too high. As long as there is a two-class society in F1, it's not a playing field for us" (PLANET F1, 11/5).
