On-track action might have been brought to a halt, but the personnel and drivers' market appears to be very much alive and in turmoil.

Williams adds a further pawn as part of its team restructuring plan. The Grove-based outfit appointed former McLaren man Simon Roberts as F1 Managing Director.

Roberts will join the team on June 1st, taking responsibility for the F1 Technical, Operations and Planning functions, and he will be directly reporting to CEO, Mike O’Driscoll.

"Roberts will strengthen the F1 leadership team and take overall responsibility for the design and development process, racing, factory operations and planning" reads today's team statement.

Deputy team principal Claire Williams welcomed Roberts, praising his ‘experience and knowledge’.

“We are delighted that he is joining us when we head back to work after this long enforced F1 shutdown. - she declared - He will lead a highly talented team that’s looking forward to designing and developing the next generation of Williams F1 cars.”

In late 2003 Roberts began his journey in F1 as Operations Director and General Manager at McLaren. He also had a spell at Force India in the 2009 season as Chief Operating Officer, and re-joined McLaren one year later undertaking his previous role with the Woking-based squad, becoming a further addition to their Executive team. Seven years later, he was appointed Chief Operations Officer.