Williams boss Simon Roberts to miss Turkish GP after positive Covid test

Williams has confirmed acting team principal Simon Roberts will not attend the Turkish Grand Prix after testing positive for Covid-19 before travelling to Istanbul.

In a statement released on Wednesday evening, Williams confirmed it will operate without Roberts, who has been in post since Dorilton Capital took ownership of the team at the Italian Grand Prix.

The statement read: "Williams Racing can confirm that Acting Team Principal Simon Roberts has tested positive for COVID-19 prior to travelling to Istanbul for this weekend’s Turkish Grand Prix.

Simon returned a negative test on Monday during the team’s regular COVID testing schedule, however after displaying minor symptoms he underwent a further test this morning which returned a positive result. Simon is feeling otherwise well but will now isolate for the required 10-day period as per UK national guidelines whilst supporting trackside operations remotely this weekend. Dave Redding, Team Manager, and Chief Engineer of Vehicle Design, Adam Carter, will assume his responsibilities on the ground in Turkey.

Simon has not been in close contact with any other members of our race team, and the team will continue to operate trackside as planned.

As a team, we have been taking part in a robust testing plan alongside adhering to the FIA Covid guidelines."

Williams is not the first team to have been affected by coronavirus since the delayed start to the season, with both Racing Point drivers testing positive throughout the year, and Mercedes personnel returning two positive tests ahead of the Eifel Grand Prix at the Nürburgring.

With a two-week break before the season ending triple-header, Roberts will be able to complete his self-isolation period in time for the run in, although he is required to return a negative test before being granted access back into the paddock.

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