Frank Williams, the founder of Williams F1 and the legendary F1 team owner, died at the age of 79.
Frank Williams was hospitalized on Friday and died on Sunday morning while being taken care of by his family.
“Today we pay tribute to the highly beloved and inspirational figurehead,” the Williams family said in a statement.
“Frank will be terribly missed. Now I would like to ask all my friends and colleagues to respect the Williams family’s desire for privacy.”
Williams Racing team representative Jost Capito pays tribute to Frank Willimes, who founded the third most successful team in the history of Grand Prix racing after Ferrari and McLaren.
“The Williams Racing team is really sad about the death of its founder, Sir Frank Williams,” said Jost Capito.
“Sir Frank was an icon and legend of our sport. His death marks the end of the era of sport with our team and F1. He was a true pioneer like no other.”
“Despite the considerable adversity in his life, he led our team to 16 World Champions, making us one of the most successful teams in the history of sports.”
“His values, including integrity, teamwork, fierce independence and determination, are the central spirit of our team and his legacy, as well as the name of the Williams family we proudly compete with. “
“Our idea is with the Williams family in this difficult time.”
F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali also paid tribute to Frank Willimes as a true motorsport “giant.”
“This morning, Claire Williams called me to give me the very sad news that her beloved father, Sir Frank Williams, had died,” said Stefano Domenicali.
“He is a true giant of our sport and fought every day to overcome the most difficult challenges of life and win on and off the track. We have a very loved and respected member of the F1 family. I lost. He will be greatly missed. “
“His incredible achievements and personality will be imprinted on our sport forever. My thoughts are with all Williams family and friends in this sad time.”
Frank Williams founded Williams in 1977 and led a glove-based team to win seven Driver’s titles and nine Constructors’ Championships.
Frank Williams, who handed over the team’s day-to-day management responsibilities to Claire Williams prior to the 2013 season, continued to serve as team principal and celebrated its 50th year in 2019.
Frank Williams, who has reduced his involvement with the team, regularly participated in the Grand Prix until he suffered from pneumonia in 2016. At the 2019 F1 British Grand Prix, he celebrated his 50th anniversary at Silverstone and then attended the F1 Belgian Grand Prix.
However, in 2020, the Williams family acquired the team’s shares in the US investment company Drillton Capital. At the end of the F1 Italian Grand Prix held in Monza, he left the team and then F1.
Category: Category: F1 / Williams
