After six years, Ralf Schumacher will be leaving the team at the end of the 2004 season. Frank Williams and Mario Theissen wish him well for the future.  On his departure, Team Principal, Frank Williams commented "Ralf has made a steadfast contribution to the team over the past five years, with some truly spectacular high points. We fully respect his decision to pursue his future career with another team, and we wish him well in his new endeavours."

Mario Theissen, BMW's Motorsport Director, said "Continuity is of course a factor for success in the fast business of Formula One. This is also true for the driver line-up. But, by the end of 2004, Ralf Schumacher will have been at WilliamsF1 for six years. It is therefore quite normal for a driver to think about a change. Following long and intensive negotiations between Frank Williams and Ralf Schumacher, both sides have decided not to renew the contract for the period after 2004. If both sides seek a new challenge, it should understandably be taken. We were kept informed about the negotiations throughout."