Piers Thynne joins Williams from McLaren as Chief Optimisation and Planning Officer amid raft of senior recruits

Williams have announced the appointment of Piers Thynne from McLaren in the newly-created role of Chief Optimisation and Planning Officer, marking one of several new senior recruits joining the Grove-based outfit.

Thynne was previously Chief Operating Officer at McLaren until January, having held various roles at the papaya squad since first joining back in 2008. His progression to COO came in 2023, ahead of the team’s back-to-back Constructors’ Championships in 2024 and 2025.

In his new strategic leadership position at Williams – which he will start in August – the team have stated that Thynne will “be responsible for streamlining processes, optimising resources and deploying cutting-edge technology including robotics, AI and advanced manufacturing to modernise Williams’ facilities and set a new benchmark in Formula 1”.

“I am delighted to be joining Atlassian Williams F1 Team at what is a really exciting moment,” said Thynne. “Williams has clear ambition to be championship level in all areas and set new standards in the sport, and I can’t wait to play my part in that as a member of the senior leadership group.

“I have enjoyed a fantastic time at McLaren, helping bring the team back to the top, and hope we will be able to do the same at Williams.”

Thynne’s appointment is one of several announced by the team. Claire Simpson also joins as Head of Aerodynamic Development following 12 years at Mercedes, while Fred Judd arrives from Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains to become Head of Performance Optimisation. Additionally, Steve Booth has been recruited as Head of Vehicle Engineering from Alpine.

This comes after Dan Milner joined from Mercedes as Chief Engineer – Vehicle Technology in April, with Williams stating that there will be “more senior leaders from across the grid to come over the next few months”.

Team Principal James Vowles commented: “I am thrilled to be welcoming Piers to Atlassian Williams F1 Team as we continue investing in the people, processes and technology to compete at the front in Formula 1.

“We are clear in our ambition to build a team that can win World Championships, and Piers has unrivalled recent experience in doing exactly that.

“I am also delighted to welcome Claire, Fred and Steve – we are attracting extremely talented strategic recruits from throughout the paddock who will add to the foundations we have already put in place over the past few years and help take us to the next level.”