Williams' technical chief Paddy Lowe has stated that there was 'great affection' and a 'great relationship' with Rob Smedley despite his exit from the team.
Smedley left Williams after five years at the end of last season.
“It’s been fantastic to work with Rob. He’s a great guy, and a funny guy as well.” Lowe told Autosport.
“It’s been a real pleasure to work with him in the office and particularly on the pit wall.
“We have a really good time out there, even in the depths of poor performance.
“But Rob is moving on, he wanted to make some changes to his life.”
Lowe was eager to say that the split was done on good terms.
"We depart with a great relationship between Rob and the team, with no regrets and great affection for the time we have had with him,” he added.
“I need to get those things said, otherwise people will make up their own stories.”