Formula 1, on a Sunday of rest, one of the rare ones due to a calendar that has now become more and more crowded, is suddenly frozen by terrible news: Sir Frank Williams died today at the age of 79.
The news was given by the team with a short communication on their official Twitter page. Few lines in the press release, but extremely significant.
“It is with deep sadness that, on behalf of the Williams family, the team confirms the death of Sir Frank Williams, founder and former team principal of Williams Racing, at the age of 79”.
The communication was also given by the official website of Formula 1. Before, however, by a tweet that reads like this.
“It is with immense sadness that F1 announces the passing of Sir Frank Williams. His has been a life driven by a passion for motorsport; his legacy is immeasurable and will be part of F1 forever. Knowing him was an inspiration and a privilege. We will miss him deeply. “
Williams was hospitalized last Friday, according to an official announcement from the team, and died peacefully this morning, his family said.
A former racing driver, Williams founded his team which currently bears his name in 1977 and has become one of the most successful constructors in F1. His team has won 9 Constructors ‘World Championships and 7 Drivers’ World Championships, with 114 Grand Prix victories. The latest of these came at the 2012 Spanish Grand Prix, with Pastor Maldonado at the wheel.
Williams’ history in Formula 1 has gone beyond titles and victories, which have come in abundance over the 50 years he has remained at the helm of his team. It was a family story, with daughter Claire taking over management of the team starting in 2013.
The Williams name remains strong although the British family have sold the team over the past few months to Dorliton Capital. Williams had begun to reduce his involvement with the team as early as 2012 when he stepped down from the team’s board of directors.
We also recall that in 1986, Sir Frank was left with paralyzed legs after having suffered a spinal cord injury in a car accident. That too was a reason, for Williams, to gradually distance himself from his creature.
In his place, as mentioned, his daughter Claire took over. First by becoming vice team principal, taking care of the day-to-day management of the team, then taking over the reins of the team. Williams then spent time in the hospital in 2016 trying to recover from pneumonia. At that point he stopped following the team.
Williams’ last hospitalization occurred late last year, in December. Unfortunately, Sir Frank Williams has passed away today at the age of 79. He did it with his family next to him, as reported by the members of the same in an official note.
Sir Frank Williams, Team Principal, Williams
Photo by: Glenn Dunbar / Motorsport Images
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