Mike Coughlan will take up the role of Williams team principal at the Australian Grand Prix following the death of Lady Virginia Williams.
Sir Frank Williams wife, also known as Ginny, passed away last week at the age of 66. Both Frank and daughter Claire have opted to remain in the UK this weekend instead of travelling to Melbourne for the race.
Technical director Coughlan will therefore assume the role of team principal temporarily.
“It’s for this weekend only, until Claire is able to come back,” he is quoted by Autosport. “It is very much a temporary measure and it is very much in support of Claire.
“I am a great supporter of the family, Claire knows that and Frank knows that. I said I would take over from Claire this weekend and I see this as a very temporary measure. I am doing this to support Claire and Frank, and the whole family.
“Ginny was a great fan – and a great person. She always said that she was Williams’ number one fan for two reasons: one she was the first fan, and secondly she cared more than anybody.”
The team will wear black armbands in a mark of respect.
