The FIA have confirmed that Ian Roberts will replace Gary Harstein as the FIA Formula One Medical Rescue Coordinator.
He will assume the position after the governing body opted not to renew Harstein’s contract, despite him having travelled to 247 races in the role – his last being Brazil in November.
Roberts is currently chief medical officer at the Silverstone Circuit and therefore has vast experience with motorsport emergencies.
He will report to Professor Jean-Charles Piette, the FIA’s permanent Medical Delegate to F1, and will be deployed to the track. His primary role there is to supervise the response of the local medical team.
Roberts is a consultant in anaesthesia and intensive care and a veteran HEMS (Helicopter Emergency Medical Service) practitioner.
He sits on several motorsports medical advisory panels, including those of the FIA Institute and the UK’s Motor Sports Association.
Harstein congratulated Roberts via Twitter: “Congrats to Ian. Would certainly have been on my short list. Really good doc, skilled leader, great guy. Lots of luck, and have a great time.”
