The Williams Formula One team and its parent company, Dorilton, are embroiled in a messy legal dispute with former executive Claudia Schwarz, who was dismissed in 2022. In court filings, she alleges she was fired after raising concerns about sexism and racism, drawing in Lewis Hamilton's foundation and musicians Wyclef Jean and Shaggy. Schwarz also questions the ultimate ownership of the team, claiming it is controlled by Peter de Putron, a Jersey-based billionaire with close ties to the Conservative Party. Dorilton accuses Schwarz of fiddling expenses, charging inflated fees, and defrauding the company with a former CEO.
The Dismissal and Counterclaims
Schwarz was fired as Williams' chief marketing officer in November 2022. She says no reason was given initially, and a severance package was never fulfilled. In May 2023, Dorilton sued her in New York, claiming she illicitly took $6.9 million in expenses and inflated fees, and that Darren Fultz, then CEO of the holding company, overlooked the alleged fraud. Schwarz denies these claims, noting the fraud charge emerged only after she sued for breach of contract.
Shortly after, Business F1 magazine published an article describing Schwarz as a "vixen" who used "feminine wiles." Schwarz alleges Dorilton was behind that story and others, a claim Dorilton denies. She lost her business and had to let go of employees.
Allegations of Discrimination
Schwarz claims she was fired after clashes with Dorilton executives and de Putron. She alleges de Putron insisted the team not be marketed to African Americans or the LGBTQ community and prevented Williams from joining the Lewis Hamilton Commission. She also claims de Putron reversed plans for pride branding due to a prospective Saudi sponsorship and personal beliefs. De Putron describes these allegations as "utter fiction" and says any decisions were business-oriented.
In a deposition, former CEO Darren Fultz alleged de Putron objected to performers of color, including Wyclef Jean and Shaggy, mixing in hospitality at the 2022 US Grand Prix. Schwarz says she raised concerns at the race and was terminated shortly after.
The Role of Peter de Putron
De Putron, 62, made his fortune in quant trading and is the brother-in-law of former Conservative minister Andrea Leadsom. He spreads holdings through opaque companies in tax-free locales. Dorilton fought efforts to depose him, arguing he is a passive investor. However, a New York judge ruled in October 2025 that there was substantial evidence de Putron was directly involved in management and possibly in Schwarz's dismissal. Employees referred to him as "Our Dear Leader" or "ODL" and used code names like "A" or "AA" in communications.
Current Legal Status
Two cases are ongoing in New York state court: one by Dorilton against Schwarz for breach of contract and fraud, and another by Schwarz against Dorilton and de Putron for libel and wrongful dismissal. In April 2026, Schwarz revived a libel action against Business F1 magazine, now defunct, with a trial date set for June 2027. Schwarz says she has been fighting for three years for justice, hoping her son can see her stand up for the truth in court.
