Coughlan returns with Williams

Mike Coughlan is to return to F1 with Williams next month in the role of chief engineer.

Coughlan has not been involved with the top level of the sport since the McLaren ‘Spygate’ scandal in 2007, and has most recently been involved with the Michael Waltrip Racing NASCAR outfit.

Coughlan will overlap with the departing Sam Michael for the rest of the season, and it remains to be seen whether he then inherits the technical director role.

To their credit neither the team nor Coughlan himself have attempted to ignore his controversial history in making the announcement.

Frank Williams said in a statement: “Mike Coughlan is a fine engineer with extensive experience across Formula One and both civil and defence engineering. He left Formula One in 2007 because of conduct which he acknowledges was wrong and which he profoundly regrets. His two year ban from the sport expired some time ago and Mike is now determined to prove himself again.

“Williams is delighted to be able to give him the opportunity to do this and we are very pleased to have one of the most talented and competitive engineers in the sport helping us to return to the front of the grid. This is the first step in re-building and strengthening our technical group. We will announce the next steps as they develop.”

Coughlan added: “I am grateful to Williams for giving me this opportunity. My experience in 2007 was life-changing. Since then, I have endeavoured to put my skills to good use in the design of the Ocelot vehicle whose purpose is to transport soldiers in safety. I have also enjoyed my time with Michael Waltrip Racing: they are an excellent race team and I wish them well for the future.

“Now, I am looking forward to returning to a sport which I love and to joining a team that I have admired for many years. I will dedicate myself to the team and to ensuring that we return to competitiveness while respecting the ethical standards with which Williams has always been synonymous.”