Former McLaren operations chief Simon Roberts has been appointed as Williams Formula 1 managing directors.
Roberts is set to join the Wantage-based outfit on June 1 and will oversee the team’s technical operations and planning functions, as well as racing and factory operations.
Roberts has almost 20 years of experience in F1, which he has largely spent at McLaren, having started as operations director and general manager in 2003.
After a brief stint at Force India in 2009, he returned to Woking in his previous role before being promoted to Chief Operations officer in 2017. He left McLaren early last year.
Williams deputy team principal, Claire Williams, said Roberts’ experience will be a shot in the arm for the British team.
“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.”
The Williams senior leadership team has remained largely unchanged since the departure of chief technical officer Paddy Lowe last year. Roberts’ arrival will provide a boost to that department.
Williams has shown an increase in performance through pre-season testing, with driver George Russell optimistic regarding Williams chances this year, though admitted the team will have to capitalise on its rivals’ errors.