MADRID, 28 Nov. (EUROPA PRESS) –
Briton Frank Williams, founder and former manager of the Williams Racing Formula 1 team, passed away this Sunday at the age of 79, the team confirmed.
“It is with great sadness that we confirm, on behalf of the Williams family, the death of Sir Frank Williams. After being admitted to hospital on Friday, Sir Frank passed away peacefully this morning surrounded by his family. Today we pay tribute to such a beloved and beloved figure. inspiring. We will miss Frank very much, “announced the Williams team.
Formula 1 also showed its regret for the death of the man who has been in charge of a team of the ‘Great Circus’ for the longest time. “We are filled with the most immense and profound sadness over the passing of Sir Frank Williams. His was a life fueled by a passion for motorsports. His legacy is immeasurable and will always be a part of Formula 1. Meeting him was an inspiration and an inspiration. privilege. We will miss him very much, “he said.
The ex-driver founded his first team, Frank Williams Racing Cars, in 1966 and ten years later created his current team. In 2019, he celebrated 50 years as team leader in Formula 1, having led two teams in that time and conquering, with the last one, seven Drivers ‘World titles and nine Constructors’ titles.
The Brit and his family, including his daughter Claire, who had led the team since 2013, left Formula 1 earlier this year after selling it to investment firm Dorilton Capital.
Williams, who suffered a spinal cord injury from a car accident at the Paul Ricard Circuit in 1986 that left him in a wheelchair, began reducing his workload in Formula 1 in 2012 when he left the Williams Board of Directors. .
Claire Williams assumed the position of representative of the family and later was named deputy director of the team, while her father maintained the title of director of the team.
Williams was admitted for days in 2016 recovering from pneumonia, and subsequently stopped traveling to the races. He also had to be hospitalized in December of last year.
The president and CEO of Formula 1, Stefano Domenicali, lamented the death of Williams “a true giant” of the ‘Great Circus’. “This morning Claire Williams called me to inform me of the sad news that her loving father, Sir Frank Williams, had passed away,” she explained.
“He was a true giant of our sport who overcame life’s toughest challenges and fought every day to win on and off the track. We have lost a much loved and respected member of the Formula 1 family and we will miss him. so much less. His incredible achievements and his personality will be etched in our sport forever. My thoughts are with all of Williams’ family and friends at this sad time, “he said.