Formula 1® team founder Frank Williams dies aged 79
Monday, 29 November 2021
He was a true giant of our sport.
Williams founder and former team principal Frank Williams has died at the age of 79.
Having founded the team alongside Patrick Head in 1977, Williams saw the team he built become one of the most successful in Formula 1®.
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They won nine constructors' championships and seven drivers' championships across his time with the team. Williams has not claimed either since winning both in 1997 when Jacques Villeneuve won the drivers' crown.
The team sold to US investors in 2020. Williams and his daughter Claire, who had served as deputy team principal, moved away from F1® last year.
A statement from Williams read: "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."
Referencing the spinal cord injury suffered in a car crash in 1986 that left Williams in a wheelchair, F1® president and chief executive Stefano Domenicali said: "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."
