According to Williams’ family and the team, Frank Williams, founder and principal of F1 was a victim who died on Sunday after being admitted to hospital Friday.
Williams was never afraid to overcome any obstacles or difficulties that came his way. He became the F1 principal for the longest time in 2019, after having led two racing teams during his 50-year career.
His iconic status in F1 will be forever linked to his 1986 spinal injury from a car accident that left him paralysed and unable walk.
Williams continued to oversee the daily operations of Williams Racing. The company was founded by Williams in 1977. Williams retired from this position in 2012. Claire Williams, her mother’s daughter, assumed the day-today management of Williams Racing after Williams retired and was elected to the board. Claire was officially Deputy Principal and Frank Williams kept the title of Team Principal.
Williams Racing was sold in August 2021 to Dorilton Capital. The investment company took a minor stake in Williams Advanced Engineering, but the Williams Racing business was not affected. Claire Williams, who was Deputy Principal of the Williams team and ended Williams’ association with it a month later after being sold to Dorilton Capital.
Jost Capito (CEO and the current Team Principal) stated in a statement to Williams Racing site on Sunday that “His” values, including teamwork, integrity and fierce independence, are the foundation of our team. He also left behind the Williams name, under which we race proudly. Our thoughts are with the Williams family at this difficult time.”
Goodwood: Sir Frank Williams celebrates 40 years of motorsport
Williams Racing was founded in 1939 and is considered one of F1’s oldest and most successful racing teams. Frank Williams led the team to 16 World Championships. Since 2012, the team has won just zero races. Williams placed last in 2019’s constructors championship with just one point.
Frank Wiliams was cremated in Grove, Oxfordshire. The family asked that those who wanted to remember Frank Wiliams make donations or leave flowers at Grove’s entrance.
