The popular founder of the Williams racing dynasty, Sir Frank Williams, has died aged 79.
Having previously battled pneumonia, Williams was admitted to hospital last Friday before passing away while surrounded by family overnight.
Williams was a team boss in Formula 1 for more than 50 years, with his Williams squad claiming seven drivers’ championships and nine constructors’ championships with the likes of Nigel Mansell, Jacques Villeneuve, and Alain Prost behind the wheel.
Williams ranks as the longest serving team boss in Formula 1 history, noting that a large chunk of that time was spent in the confines of a wheelchair; Williams having suffered a spinal cord injury in a car crash in 1986.
“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,” said a statement issued by the Williams F1 team.
“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.”
“This morning Claire Williams called to inform me of the very sad news that her beloved father, Sir Frank Williams, had passed away,” added F1 president and CEO Stefano Domenicali.
“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.”
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