Williams Founder Sir Frank Williams Has Passed Away Aged 79

The founder of one of F1’s greatest teams, Sir Frank Williams, has passed yonder weather-beaten 79.

Across his 43 years in tuition of the team that he co-founded with engineer Sir Patrick Head when in 1977, Williams became a prestigious name and a gravity to be reckoned with on track.

Together they achieved seven drivers’ championships, nine constructors’ titles and 114 race victories; the fourth most of any team in F1 history.

It is with unconfined sadness that on behalf of the Williams family, the team can personize the death of Sir Frank Williams CBE, Founder and Former Team Principal of Williams Racing, at the age of 79.

— Williams Racing (@WilliamsRacing) November 28, 2021

In a statement, Williams said: “It is with unconfined sadness that on behalf of the Williams family, the team can personize the death of Sir Frank Williams CBE, Founder and Former Team Principal of Williams Racing, at the age of 79.

“After stuff admitted into hospital on Friday, Sir Frank, passed yonder 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.

A statement from Williams Racing. pic.twitter.com/urzeKUL7bx

— Williams Racing (@WilliamsRacing) November 28, 2021

“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 archway of the team’s headquarters in Grove, Oxfordshire. Details of the memorial service will follow in due course.”

Sir Frank Williams was a much loved and highly-respected icon in the sport. Without a unenduring career as a suburbanite and mechanic, Sir Frank founded Frank Williams Racing in 1966 and when the team was bought by Canadian oil magnate Walter Wolf, he went on to start the Williams team we know today and one of the few privateer teams that had stood the test of time.

In March 2012, weather-beaten 70, he stepped lanugo from the Williams workbench and handed the reins over to his daughter Claire Williams, who became the Deputy Team Principal the next year and responsible for the day-to-day running of the team.

He remained as Williams’ Team Principal until last year’s Italian Grand Prix, without which Jost Capito took over pursuit the sale of the team to American private investment firm Dorilton Capital.

Friends and colleagues wideness the F1 grid have taken to social media to pay tribute to an icon of paddock, who will be dearly missed.

We are filled with the most immense and deep sadness at the passing of Sir Frank Williams

His was a life driven by passion for motorsport; his legacy is immeasurable, and will be forever part of F1

To know him was an inspiration and privilege

He will be deeply, tightly missed pic.twitter.com/48JhruQpLK

— Formula 1 (@F1) November 28, 2021

Today, we say goodbye to the man who specified our team. Sir Frank was such a genuinely wonderful human stuff and I’ll unchangingly remember the laughs we shared. He was increasingly than a boss, he was a mentor and a friend to everybody who joined the Williams Racing family and so many others. pic.twitter.com/bWpFivpkmi

— George Russell (@GeorgeRussell63) November 28, 2021

RIP Sir Frank Williams. Such sad news ? A huge loss for our sport and our team. It’s been an honour to represent your name on the world stage and we will protract to push nonflexible to take the team when up the grid ? pic.twitter.com/4UKiU3CzB4

— Nicholas Latifi (@NicholasLatifi) November 28, 2021

We’ll miss you Sir Frank.