Experienced Roberts lands Williams role

Williams have appointed Simon Roberts to the newlycreated position of managing director for Formula 1.

Roberts, who joins from Mclaren, is due to take up his new role from 1 June, the day after the initial furlough period announced by Williams last month is due to end.

Roberts has extensive experience in F1, having joined Mclaren as operations director and general manager in 2003 and spent time at Force India before returning to Mclaren as chief operating officer.

Deputy team principal Claire Williams 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.”

Formula 1 is hoping to be able to begin the 2020 season in July and is looking at plans to host back-to-back races at the Red Bull Ring in Austria.