Williams technical chief, Paddy Lowe, has put on record the “great affection” and “great relationship” the team had with Rob Smedley.
Smedley left Williams at the end of the season following five years at the Grove-based team.
The former Head of Vehicle Performance said he was ready for a change after 20 years in Formula 1 but has been linked to an eventual return to the sport.
“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 also wanted to state that Smedley left Williams on good terms in order to shut down any suggestions of a breakdown in the relationship.
“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.”
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