Acting Williams F1 boss Roberts to miss Turkish GP after positive COVID-19 test

Acting Williams Formula 1 team principal Simon Roberts will miss this weekend’s Turkish Grand Prix after testing positive for COVID-19.

Williams confirmed on Wednesday evening that Roberts had been retested earlier in the day after displaying minor coronavirus symptoms after previously testing negative for the virus on Monday.

As a result, Roberts, who has been in charge of the running of the Williams team since the Tuscan Grand Prix following its sale to new owners Dorilton Capital and the family’s subsequent departure after Monza, will not travel to Istanbul.

Instead, Williams will split Roberts’ role between team manager Dave Redding and chief engineer of vehicle design Adam Carter across the weekend.

“Simon returned a negative test on Monday during the team’s regular Covid testing schedule, however after displaying minor symptoms he underwent a further test this morning which returned a positive result,” said a Williams team statement.

“Simon is feeling otherwise well but will now isolate for the required 10-day period as per UK national guidelines whilst supporting trackside operations remotely this weekend.

“Dave Redding, team manager, and chief engineer of vehicle design, Adam Carter, will assume his responsibilities on the ground in Turkey.”

Williams announced last week that it would be making changes to its on-site personal for F1’s return to Turkey after nine years following a number of positive COVID-19 tests within the team.

The Grove-based squad also confirmed that Roberts had not been in close contact with any other members of the race team.

“Simon has not been in close contact with any other members of our race team, and the team will continue to operate trackside as planned,” continued the statement. “As a team, we have been taking part in a robust testing plan alongside adhering to the FIA Covid guidelines.”