Williams recruits McLaren COO Simon Roberts as new managing director

Williams has appointed former McLaren chief operations officer Simon Roberts as its new managing director of F1.

The Grove-based outfit is strengthening its executive base by recruiting Roberts and establishing the new position of managing director that will include responsibility for the team's design and development process, racing, factory operations and planning.

Roberts joined McLaren in 2003 as its operations director and general manager.

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In 2009, Roberts was loaned to Force India for a year before returning to McLaren in 2010 to resume his role as operations director. In 2017, he was appointed chief operations officer, heading the Woking-based outfit's engineering and factory operations.

Claire Williams, Deputy Team Principal of ROKiT Williams Racing 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."

Roberts will join Williams on June 1st to take responsibility for F1 Technical, Operations and Planning functions, reporting to CEO, Mike O’Driscoll.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.