Team principal Roberts happy with new owner: "Williams can learn from Dorilton"

It was recently announced that Williams has been sold to investment company Dorilton. According to acting team boss Simon Roberts, the Formula 1 team can learn a lot from the working methods and risk appetite of the American company.

Roberts previously worked for McLaren and Force India and joined the team as Managing Director in May with the departure of the Williams family to take up his current role. He has now been with the new owners for a number of weeks. "They have been in the factory for some time now and really want to know everything. Everywhere is being looked at and they are really interested in what we are doing. It's all new to them," says an enthusiastic Roberts to Motosport.com.

That the new owners can still learn a lot about Formula 1 is certainly true, but vice versa the same applies. "We as a team can benefit from Dorilton's competitive mentality. Their way of thinking and knowledge of strategy and risk-taking in the financial market can definitely also be applied to Williams to improve competitiveness."

The near future

It is clear that Dorilton is going long-term with Williams, and cooperation has only just begun. "It's still early," says Roberts. "This is not a quick fix, or just waving a magic wand. We have only just started to make the first plans and determine the right steps to take." The upcoming cost ceiling is no additional challenge for Williams. "We are already working below the cost ceiling, so we have a little more flexibility than other teams." Williams' road back to the top seems to have started.