Sir Frank Williams CBE, founder of Williams Formula One Racing Team as died at the age of 79. The news was announced 10 days after he was admitted to hospital for an unconfirmed illness.
Sir Frank, who was left partially disabled after a crash in 1989, originally began his motoring career as a mechanic. He would later go on to have success with drivers including Nigel Mansell and Ayrton Senna.
During his time with Williams, the team won nine Constructors’ championships and seven Drivers’ titles. The team dominated much of the 1980s and 1990s.
Born in South Shields, Frank Williams attended St Joseph’s College, Dumfries, Scotland and founded Frank Williams Racing Cars in 1966, funded by his work as a travelling grocery salesman.
Originally charged with manslaughter after the death of Ayrton Senna at Imola, Williams was eventually acquitted several years later.
Williams Formula One Racing Team was sold to Dorilton Capital in 2020 after Claire Williams’ arguably poor running of the team often left them at the back of the grid, prior to her retirement from the sport.
Racing driver George Russell, who will drive for Williams until the end of the 2021 season and will partner Sir Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes next season, said: “Today, we say goodbye to the man who defined our team. Sir Frank was such a genuinely wonderful human being and I’ll always remember the laughs we shared.”
“He was more than a boss, he was a mentor and a friend to everybody who joined the Williams Racing family and so many others.”
“It has been a genuine honour racing for him and being a small part of the incredible legacy he leaves behind, a legacy that will forever live on in the heart and soul of this team.”
“Rest in peace, Sir Frank. Thank you for everything.”
Formula One management said: “We are filled with the most immense and deep sadness at the passing of Sir Frank Williams”
“His was a life driven by passion for motorsport; his legacy is immeasurable, and will be forever part of F1 To know him was an inspiration and privilege”.
“He will be deeply, deeply missed”.
A statement from Williams said: “It is with great sadness that on behalf of the Williams family, the team can confirm the death of Sir Frank Williams CBE, Founder and Former Team Principal of Williams Racing, at the age of 79.
“After being admitted into hospital on Friday, Sir Frank, passed away peacefully this morning surrounded by his family.
“Today we pay tribute to our much loved and inspirational figurehead. Frank will be sorely missed. We request that all friends and colleagues respect the Williams family’s wishes for privacy at this time.”
F1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali said: “This morning Claire Williams called to inform me of the very sad news that her beloved father, Sir Frank Williams, had passed away.
“He was a true giant of our sport that overcame the most difficult of challenges in life and battled every day to win on and off the track. We have lost a much loved and respected member of the F1 family and he will be hugely missed.
“His incredible achievements and personality will be etched on our sport forever. My thoughts are with all the Williams family and friends at this sad time.”
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