Williams Grand Prix Holdings PLC has confirmed that Director of Engineering Patrick Head will step down from its Board of Directors with immediate effect.

Head co-founded Williams F1 in 1977 with Frank Williams and over three decades led the team's engineering department. In that time, the team has won 113 Grands Prix and secured nine Constructors' and seven Drivers' World Championships.

Head will continue in his role as a Board Director of Williams Hybrid Power Limited, a subsidiary of the company that develops and produces hybrid technologies.

"Patrick and I have been in partnership for 34 years," said Frank Williams. "During that time, he has been the leader of the technical team that has won the majority of our race wins and championships. This is a remarkable legacy and one which will be treasured and definitely not forgotten.

"Patrick is a very straightforward, hard working and truly gifted engineer who comfortably operates at a world class level. I will miss him very much, as I am sure his colleagues will, and he will always be welcome at Grove. Indeed, Patrick will still be seen around the factory as he continues to be involved in the development of our hybrid power activities."