Ian Roberts (physician)


Ian Roberts is an English physician and anaesthesiologist. Roberts serves as Medical Delegate in Formula One.
Roberts graduated from the University of Leicester as a Bachelor of Medicine in 1986. He then served as the chief medical officer for Silverstone Circuit and the British Grand Prix. In, Roberts replaced Gary Hartstein, becoming Formula One's Medical Rescue Coordinator and later becoming the sport's Medical Delegate. He gained recognition after rescuing Romain Grosjean at the 2020 Bahrain Grand Prix, for which he was awarded the FIA President Award. He has responded to several further high-profile incidents.

Early and personal life

Roberts was born in Hinckley, Leicestershire. As of 2025, he lives in Burton-upon-Trent, Staffordshire.

Career

Early career

Roberts studied medicine at the University of Leicester from 1981 to 1986. He previously served as the chief medical officer for Silverstone Circuit and the British Grand Prix. He has a background in anaesthesiology, intensive care, and air medicine. In 1995, he became a Fellow of the Royal College of Anaesthetists. He became a consultant in 1998 upon further specialist practice in neuroanaesthesia and intensive care.

Formula One

Following the departure of Gary Hartstein, Roberts was chosen by the FIA as the Medical Rescue Coordinator in Formula One for onwards, and later taking the position of Medical Delegate. He has been responsible for overseeing local medical personnel and assessing the track medical center, as well as serving as the primary physician in the medical car.

2020 Bahrain Grand Prix

Roberts gained recognition following an incident involving Romain Grosjean during the 2020 Bahrain Grand Prix. On the opening lap of the race, Grosjean collided with a barrier, splitting his Haas VF-20 in half and setting it on fire after a impact. Roberts, alongside medical car driver Alan van der Merwe, was commended for his work in rescuing Grosjean—who escaped with second-degree burns on his hands—by various media outlets. Roberts was awarded the FIA President Award for his actions by Jean Todt.

Notable incidents

Roberts has responded to two fatal incidents in his career:
Other notable incidents Roberts has responded to include:

Awards and honours