WILLIAMS senior management and their drivers have taken a pay cut while other employees have been temporarily furloughed.

It comes in response to the Formula 1 season being heavily affected by the coronavirus pandemic.

It struck just before the first race of the campaign in Australia last month and the opening eight Grand Prix have now been called off.

As a result of the difficult situation, Grove's Williams team have brought in the cost-cutting measures.

On top of some staff being put into the government's furlough scheme until the end of May, their top management, plus drivers George Russell and Nicholas Latifi have taken a 20 per cent cut in salary.

A statement read: "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."

As things stand, the first race still on is the British Grand Prix at Silverstone, on July 19.