Sir Frank Williams – the longest-serving Team Principal Formula 1 has ever seen – has died at the age of 79.
The family released the following statement:
"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.
"For those wishing to pay tribute, we ask that donations are made in place of gifts to the Spinal Injuries Association, alternatively we would welcome flowers to be placed at the entrance of the team’s headquarters in Grove, Oxfordshire. Details of the memorial service will follow in due course."
Williams team racked up seven F1 drivers’ titles and nine constructors’ championships
Jost Capito, Willliams Team Principal said: “The Williams Racing team is truly saddened by the passing of our founder Sir Frank Williams. Sir Frank was a legend and icon of our sport. His passing marks the end of an era for our team and for the sport of Formula 1.
"He was one of a kind and a true pioneer. Despite considerable adversity in his life, he led our team to 16 World Championships making us one of the most successful teams in the history of the sport.
"His values including integrity, teamwork and a fierce independence and determination, remain the core ethos of our team and are his legacy, as is the Williams family name under which we proudly race. Our thoughts are with the Williams family at this difficult time."
Sir Frank was team principal for 50 years until 2019, having modest success in his early days making it in the sport, but once he teamed up with Patrick Head, the Williams team racked up seven F1` drivers’ titles and nine constructors’ championships. Ruling F1 for a spell as Mercedes do today.
The Williams family - including daughter Claire who ran the team since 2013 - brought an end to their incredible F1 journey earlier this year, selling to Dorilton Capital.
Sir Frank sustained a spinal cord injury in a car crash in 1986 that kept him wheelchair-bound and spent some time in hospital in 2016 recovering from pneumonia and stopped attending Grand Prix races.
PLEASE FEEL FREE TO PAY YOUR RESPECTS TO AN F1 LEGEND - SIR FRANK WILLIAMS - BELOW:
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