Williams: 'Salary cut Russell and Latifi, staff put on leave"

Following in the footsteps of the McLaren team, Williams has now also decided to send part of the staff on temporary leave due to the coronavirus. The race stable from Grove reports that this decision is part of a wider range of cost saving measures.

For the time being, Formula 1 doesn't seem to start yet. Officially the Grand Prix of Canada from 12-14 June will be on the calendar next weekend, but in all likelihood an official announcement of the cancellation will follow in the coming days. The Grands Prix of France, Austria and Great Britain that will follow are also hanging by a thread.

Top of Williams delivers wages in

The leave period lasts until the end of May. Senior management and drivers George Russell and Nicholas Latifi will hand in twenty percent of their salary as of 1 April. By cutting costs, Claire Williams' team hopes to remain financially healthy.

There has not been a single night's work for the British formation. "These decisions have not been taken lightly, however our aim is to protect the jobs of our staff at Grove and ensuring they can return to full-time work when the situation allows", the statement says. Currently, the Williams factory is also closed.