DOHA: Williams Racing has appointed Simon Roberts to the newly established position of Managing Director F1 on Monday.
“Roberts will strengthen the F1 leadership team and take overall responsibility for the design and development process, racing, factory operations and planning,” Williams Racing said in a statement on its website.
Simon will join Williams on June 1st, at which point he will take responsibility for the F1 Technical, Operations and Planning functions, reporting to CEO, Mike O’Driscoll.
Once-dominant former champions Williams have been among the backmarkers in recent seasons, finishing last overall in 2018 and 2019.
Williams’ drivers are Briton George Russell and Canadian rookie Nicholas Latifi, but their most recent campaign, with just one point from 21 races, was their worst yet.
Roberts spent 2009 seconded from McLaren to what was the Force India team, now competing as Racing Point, as Chief Operating Officer before returning to Woking.
The 2020 season has yet to start due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Claire Williams, Deputy Team Principal said: “Simon will bring enormous experience and knowledge to the Williams team, and we are delighted that he is joining us when we head back to work after this long enforced F1 shutdown. He will lead a highly talented team that’s looking forward to designing and developing the next generation of Williams F1 cars.”
