Williams technical chief Pat Symonds leaving Formula 1 team

LONDON (AP) The Williams Formula One team says Pat Symonds is stepping down as chief technical officer at the end of the year.

The 63-year-old Symonds has overseen a transformation in the team's results, with 14 podium finishes in the last three seasons.

Deputy team principal Claire Williams says ''Pat's appointment was the start of a major restructuring exercise, and he has been pivotal in reshaping Williams into what is a much stronger racing team today.''

After finishing third in the 2014 constructors' championship, Williams repeated the feat the following year, but last season saw the team fall back to fifth.