F1 Veteran Frank Williams Dies at 79
Formula 1 firm Williams Racing announces the death of team founder and former principal, Sir Frank Williams, as F1 president pays tribute to the late legend.
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"The Williams Racing team is truly saddened by the passing of our founder Sir Frank Williams," the team said in a statement.
Frank Williams, the founder of Formula 1 outfit Williams Racing, has died at the age of 79, the team announced on Sunday.
Williams built his team into a dominant Formula 1 force in the 1980s and 1990s, winning nine constructors' world championships and seven drivers' titles.
One of the sport's greatest inspirations with a legacy that will live on forever.
— Williams Racing (@WilliamsRacing) November 28, 2021
Rest in peace, Sir Frank Williams 💙 pic.twitter.com/IsbAKWz0uW
The Englishman, who was the longest-serving Team Principal in Formula 1, stepped down from the board of Williams Formula One in 2012.
His family ended 43 years of involvement in the team last year, following its sale to Dorilton Capital investment firm.
Williams had used a wheelchair since his injury in a car crash in France in 1986. In 2016, he spent his time in hospital to recover from pneumonia.
"The Williams Racing team is truly saddened by the passing of our founder Sir Frank Williams," the team said in a statement.
A statement from Williams Racing. pic.twitter.com/urzeKUL7bx
— Williams Racing (@WilliamsRacing) November 28, 2021
"Sir Frank was a legend and icon of our sport. His passing marks the end of an era for our team and for the sport of Formula 1. He was one of a kind and a true pioneer.
"Despite considerable adversity in his life, he led our team to 16 world championships, making us one of the most successful teams in the history of the sport."
We are filled with the most immense and deep sadness at the passing of Sir Frank Williams
— Formula 1 (@F1) November 28, 2021
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, deeply missed pic.twitter.com/48JhruQpLK
For his part, Formula 1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali said 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."
“His incredible achievements and personality will be etched on our sport forever," he added.
