Sir Frank Williams, 79, Formula one Team founder dies

Founder an d former team principal of the Williams Racing Formula 1 Team, Sir Frank Williams,  CBD, has died aged 79, after being admitted to hospital on Friday passed away on Sunday morning surrounded by his family.

William was a wheelchair user after suffering a spinal cord injury in a car crash in France in 1986, built the team named after him into one of the most successful in the sport, and won nine constructors’ championships and seven drivers’ titles and dominated much of the 1980s and 1990s.

He and Claire his daughter, moved away from the sport in September 2020, after selling Williams to US Investors.

In a statement, the Williams Team 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. Today we pay tribute tour much loved and inspirational figurehead, Frank will be solely missed. We request all friends and colleagues respect the Williams family’s wishes for privacy at this time.”

F1 president and CEO Stefani Domenicali paid tribute to Williams, whom he described as “a true giant of our sport. He overcame the most difficult 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 personally will be etched on our sport forever. My thoughts are with all the Williams family and friends at this sad time”.

McLaren paid tribute and said: “Sir Frank was a true racer that embodied passion, ingenuity and commitment. Through measurable adversity, Sir Frank created a formidable team and a fearsome competitor. The Williams name will b e etched in Formula 1 history and his loss will be felt by everyone in Formula 1 and well beyond. We send our condolences to his family and who k new and worked with him”.