Williams appoints Simon Roberts as acting F1 team principal

Williams has named ex-McLaren man Simon Roberts as its new acting Formula 1 team principal.

Following the departure of founder Sir Frank Williams and deputy team principal Claire Williams from the team after the Italian Grand Prix at Monza, Williams has appointed Roberts on an interim basis.

Roberts will take charge of the day-to-day running of the Grove-based outfit, beginning at this weekend’s Tuscan Grand Prix at Mugello, while Williams looks for a long-term successor following the takeover of new owners Dorilton Capital.

“I am delighted to be announced as Acting Team Principal for Williams during this transitional period,’ Roberts said.

“It is an exciting time ahead for the team, a new era for Williams and one that I am excited to be playing a part in. I look forward to the challenge ahead as we look to take the team back to the front of the grid.”

Roberts, 57, joined Williams from McLaren in May as the team’s new managing director and began work on June 1 with responsibility for overseeing the technical operations and planning divisions.

He began his F1 career in 2003 and has spent 17 years at McLaren, including one year on loan to Force India, as the team’s operations director and later its chief operating officer.

Prior to that, Roberts worked for Perkins Engines, BMW/Rover Group and the Alstom Group.

Williams also announced on Tuesday that CEO Mike O’Driscoll will retire from his role once the completion of the team’s sale to Dorilton Capital is completed.

“It is an exciting time ahead for the team, a new era for Williams and one that I am excited to be playing a part in. I look forward to the challenge ahead as we look to take the team back to the front of the grid.”#WeAreWilliams

— Williams Racing (@WilliamsRacing) September 8, 2020