The founder of one of Formula One's most popular teams has died.
Williams founded the Williams F1 team in 1977 and quickly turned the privateer outfit into one of the sport's best, competing and winning against some of the biggest manufacturers in motor racing. The team has been on the grid for over 40 years and has won many titles.
Williams is one of the most respected figures in F1 history.
One of sport's great underdog stories is that of his team, which started out of an old carpet warehouse, but quickly became the team to beat in F1. Alan Jones won the first race for Williams. The team's first championship was won by the Australian driver.
Williams had a serious car crash in 1986 that left him with aplegia, but he continued to run his team. His team won the title in 1987, and the year before that. Williams' team was the dominant force of the 1990s.
He was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1999.
Frank remained team principal until September 2020 even though he gave up day-to-day running of his team to his daughter. Following the sale of the team to Dorilton Capital, the Williams family stood down from their leadership position.
Williams was the longest-serving and most successful team principal in F1's history.
The Williams team confirmed the news on Sunday.
The team can confirm that Sir Frank Williams, the founder and former team principal of Williams Racing, passed away at the age of 80.
Sir Frank died peacefully this morning surrounded by his family. We pay tribute to our beloved figurehead today. Frank will be missed. We request that friends and colleagues respect the wishes of the Williams family.
If you would like to pay tribute by donating or flowers being placed at the entrance of the team's headquarters, we would be happy to accommodate you. The details of the memorial service will be forthcoming.
Williams 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. He was a member of the F1 family and will be missed. His accomplishments and personality will be etched on our sport forever. My thoughts are with the Williams family.
The news was confirmed and the motor racing community was flooded with grief.
Being a small part of the incredible legacy he leaves behind, it has been a genuine honour racing for him and being a part of the team. Rest in peace, Sir Frank. Thank you for everything.
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George Russell wrote on November 28, 2021.
Very sad news. Sir Frank Williams has a lasting impression on the history of F1. He was a pioneer, an exceptional personality, and an exemplary man. Our thoughts are with his family, friends and Williams Racing. Rest in peace, my friend.
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Jean Todt wrote on November 28, 2021.
Frank Williams will always be remembered as one of the heroes and #F1 icons.
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My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
