Site icon FormulaRapida.net

Capito takes over team principal role as Roberts leaves Williams

Simon Roberts, Jost Capito, Williams

Simon Roberts (GBR) Williams Racing F1 Team Principal in the FIA Press Conference. Spanish Grand Prix, Friday 7th May 2021. Barcelona, Spain. FIA Pool Image for Editorial Use Only

Williams announced a surprise departure of Simon Roberts from the F1 outfit, with Jost Capito taking over the team principal responsibilities.

Having only joined Williams in June 2020 under the previous ownership of the Williams family, Roberts was promoted to be the team principal by Dorilton Capital, as they worked on behind the scenes to re-structure the management.

Not only Capito came on board, but the former Volkswagen man, brought FX Demaison with him in a senior position, looking ahead to 2022. Not even midway into the 2021 F1 season, Williams has undertaken an internal re-structure of the team.

Not only Roberts has left the team principal role, but also the Grove-based F1 outfit, in a surprise move. Capito has taken over the responsibilities of a team principal, while Demaison will head both the trackside and engineering department.

“It has been a pleasure to take on the role of Team Principal following the departure of the Williams family from the sport,” said Roberts. “However, with the transition well underway I am looking forward to a new challenge and wish everyone in the team well for the future.”

At the same time, Capito added: “Simon has played an integral role in managing the transition over the last 12 months and I would like to thank him for his great contribution during that time.”

The small statement included: “Williams Racing Team Principal, Simon Roberts, will leave the team as a result of an internal restructure. Simon joined Williams in June 2020 and played a key role in managing the team through its transition of ownership and leadership.

“This restructure further streamlines operations as part of the long-term objectives to return Williams to the front of the grid. FX Demaison will now take accountability for both trackside and engineering. The Team Principal responsibilities will be taken on by Jost Capito.”

Here’s Jost Capito on F1 podcast