Following the departure of Sir Frank and Claire Williams as Team Principal and Deputy Team Principal after the Italian Grand Prix, the Williams Racing team has announced that Simon Roberts will become the acting Team Principal at the Grove-based team.
Roberts, who joined Williams earlier this year as Managing Director of Formula 1, will be in charge of the race team this weekend as the sport heads to the Autodromo Internazionale del Mugello for the Tuscan Grand Prix, and he is eager to help lead the team into the next stage of their history.
“I am delighted to be announced as Acting Team Principal for Williams during this transitional period,” said Roberts, who has also had spells at the McLaren F1 Team and Sahara Force India F1 Team during his career.
“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.”
As Roberts steps up, Mike O’Driscoll, the Chief Executive Officer at Williams, has announced plans to retire from his role at the end of the season.
O’Driscoll will remain with Williams as they move into their new era under the leadership of Dorilton Capital and hopes for a smooth transition before his departure.
“It has been and remains a huge privilege to be part of this great team,” said O’Driscoll. “I am proud to have played my part in securing the long-term future of Williams and look forward to working closely with Matthew [Savage] and his team, to ensure a smooth transition and the best possible trajectory for the team’s future success.”
Matthew Savage, the Chairman of Dorilton Capital and Williams Grand Prix Engineering, has thanked O’Driscoll for his contribution to the team as CEO, particularly through the recent tough times the team has endured in the sport.
“Mike has made a huge contribution as CEO, working alongside the Williams family since the IPO in 2011,” said Savage. “He has steered the corporate side of the group admirably through challenging times and has been invaluable in preparing Williams for the next exciting phase.”
