November 28, (THEWILL) – Frank Williams, the longest-serving principal in Formula One history, has died at the age of 79.
During a golden period of Motorsport in the 1980s and 1990s, the namesake founder of Williams Racing led his team to seven drivers’ titles and nine constructor championships.
A statement from the Williams team read: “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.”
In 1969, Williams founded Frank Williams Racing Cars, a largely unsuccessful venture but one that nonetheless paved the way for Williams Racing in 1977. He had great success there, as he oversaw the drivers’ championship victories of Alan Jones (1980), Keke Rosberg (1982), Nelson Piquet (1987), Nigel Mansell (1992), Alain Prost (1993), Damon Hill (1996), and Jacques Villeneuve (1997).
After sustaining spinal cord damage in a vehicle accident in 1986, Williams was forced to use a wheelchair. Although he retained the role of team principal in later years, he stepped back from day-to-day operations as his daughter Claire took over.
Stefano Domenicali, F1 President, mourned Williams’ passing saying: “This morning Claire Williams called to inform me of the very sad news that her beloved father, Sir Frank Williams, had passed away.
“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.”
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
