LONDON - Williams became the second Formula One team to put some of their staff on furlough -- an enforced absence from work -- due to the coronavirus pandemic, as their drivers also agreed to take pay cuts by 20%.

"Due to the ongoing situation involving COVID-19, ROKiT Williams Racing is temporarily furloughing a number of employees as part of a wider range of cost-cutting measures," Williams said in a statement.

"The furlough period will last until the end of May whilst senior management, and our drivers, have taken a pay cut of 20% effective from 1st April."