F1 News

F1 technical chief Pat Symonds resigns position

F1 CTO Pat Symonds resigns from position and goes to Andretti

21 May at 17:05
10
  • Nicole Mulder

Pat Symonds, CTO of Formula One, is stepping down after seven years. With the technical regulations for 2026 all but finalised, his job is over. It has since become clear that Symonds will go to work at Andretti Cadillac.

Pat Symonds resigns position with immediate effect

The chassis part of the new F1 regulations that come into effect in 2026 is as good as finished. For this reason, Symonds is said to have decided to resign his position within the sport. He reportedly made the decision some time ago. The 70-year-old Briton, who has a long history in Formula One, began his position within the organization in 2017. Within that position, he worked on the new regulations for 2022, as well as the upcoming rule changes scheduled for 2026.

Symonds began his F1 career at Toleman in the 1980s, which later became Benetton. There he worked, among other things, as a race engineer for Michael Schumacher, who won his first two world titles with the team. He remained at Benetton for a long time, which was later renamed Renault. In 2011, he joined Virgin Racing (later Manor) and Williams before working as CTO of F1.

Update | Symonds to Andretti

There is now more clarity about Symonds' future. He will join Andretti Cadillac, which hopes to be part of the Formula One grid from 2026. "We are pleased to announce that British motor racing technical expert Pat Symonds will join the Andretti Cadillac team in pursuit of entering the FIA Formula One World Championship," reads the statement from Andretti Global.

"Symonds, who most recently served as Chief Technical Officer for Formula One, will officially join the team at the new Silverstone base of operations on completion of his Gardening Leave at Formula One Management."