Paddy Lowe has officially departed Williams and his position as chief technical officer having been on a ‘leave of absence’ since March.

Williams announced that Lowe would be taking leave for ‘personal reasons’ just over a week prior to the opening round of the Formula 1 season in Melbourne, following a calamitous pre-season.

The Grove team has now announced his full exit, including from the board of directors, with immediate effect.

“After a period of careful reflection I have reached the decision that I will not return to work at Williams,” said Lowe in a short statement issued by Williams.

“I wish all my previous colleagues the very best to meet the challenges ahead, which I am sure they will do.  I would especially like to thank the Williams fans who are so supportive.”

Deputy team principal Claire Williams added, “We understand and respect the decision Paddy has reached and wish him well for the future.”

Williams finished last in last year’s constructors’ championship and remains rooted to the foot of the table without a single point to its name in 2019.

It also missed the first two days of pre-season testing due to delays in the construction of the FW42, a task which ultimately fell under the remit of Lowe.

Since then, legendary designer and engineer Patrick Head has rejoined Williams on a consultancy basis.

Round 9 of F1 is the Austrian Grand Prix, starting this Friday.