Williams' new owners have promoted Simon Roberts to the role of acting team principal from the Tuscan Grand Prix.

The move follows the departure of the Williams family from the team they co-founded back in 1977 after last Sunday's race at Monza.

Roberts is a recent arrival at the Grove-based outfit having only joined back in June as managing director of the F1 team, this after holding the role of COO at Racing Point and then McLaren.

Under his initial position at Williams, Roberts assumed responsibility for the team’s technical, operations and planning functions, reporting to CEO Mike O'Driscoll.

“I am delighted to be announced as acting team principal for Williams during this transitional period,” Roberts commented.

“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.”

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As for the aforementioned CEO Mike O'Driscoll, he has announced he will be stepping down once the transition to Dorilton Capital is complete, this after nine years at Williams.

“It has been and remains a huge privilege to be part of this great team," he said.

"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.”

Dorilton Capital chairman, Matthew Savage added: “Mike has made a huge contribution as CEO, working alongside the Williams family since the IPO in 2011.

"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."