Williams have appointed former Jaguar Cars managing director Mike O'Driscoll as their new group chief executive with immediate effect.

It is understood that the newly-created role has united the team and Williams Advanced Engineering, with founder Frank Williams hoping that it will benefit the struggling F1 outfit.

"This new role strengthens the company and will help us achieve our goals both on the race track and in diversification," Williams told Reuters.

Williams have not scored a single point in their last seven races.