Williams Racing appoints Simon Roberts as Acting Team Principal

Williams Racing has today announced that Simon Roberts will become Acting Team Principal while the new owner Dorilton Capitals set up the team’s new structure.

Claire Williams announced last week that she would step down as Deputy Team Principal which also means that the Williams family would step away from its Formula 1 team.

This is a transitional time period for Williams after Dorilton Capital purchased the team. The Grove-based outfit has now confirmed that Simon Roberts will become Acting Team Principal.

Simon Roberts said: “I am delighted to be announced as Acting Team Principal for Williams during this transitional period. 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.”

Roberts started working in Formula 1 in 2003 when he joined McLaren Racing where he took on the role of Operations Director and General Manager. Robert was seconded to the Force India outfit six years later, working as Chief Operating Officer. Just a year later in 2010, he returned to McLaren as Operations Manager. In 2017, the Woking-based outfit appointed him Chief Operations Officer.

Prior to his F1 commitments, Roberts held several key positions in engineer companies. He started his career with Perkins Engines where he worked his way up the ladder through several senior appointments. After leaving the Peterborough-based company, he joined BMW/Rover Group, leading several engineering and operational departments. In 2000, he joined Alstom Group where he worked as Industrial Managing Director until he started his career in Formula 1.

The team has also announced that Mike O’Driscoll, Chief Executive Officer, Williams Grand Prix Engineering, will retire. Following the acquisition of Williams, the 64-year-old will support the smooth transition of ownership through this year and ensure that the team is well positioned to build for the future.

Mike O’Driscoll commented “It has been and remains a huge privilege to be part of this great team. I am proud to have played my part in securing the long-term future of Williams and look forward to working closely with Matthew and his team, to ensure a smooth transition and the best possible trajectory for the team’s future success.”