On the evening of November 28, Beijing time, frank Williams, the legend of the F1 world, the founder of Williams Team and former team leader, died at the age of 79.
We are most deeply saddened by the passing away of Sir Frank Williams, whose life was driven by the passion of motorsport, whose legacy is immeasurable, who will always be a part of F1 and will always be deeply missed by us.
As of 2019, Sir Frank Williams has been in F1 for fifty years as the manager of the team. During this time, he twice managed and operated the team that bears his name, including the team he created in 1977, the Williams F1 team that continues to this day. The team has won the 7-seat drivers' world championship and the 9-seater world championship.
Upon learning of Sir Frank's death, the Williams Team officially expressed its condolences to the legendary team leader: "With the deep grief of the Williams family, the team confirms that sir Frank Williams, the founder of the Williams team and former team leader, has passed away at the age of 79. ”
"After being admitted to hospital on Friday, Sir Frank passed away peacefully this morning (28 November) accompanied by his family."
"Today, we would like to pay tribute to this beloved and inspiring leader, frank will be deeply missed, and we ask all our friends and colleagues at this time to respect the williams family's wishes and protect their privacy."
F1 Chairman and CEO Stefano Domenicalli said: "This morning Claire Williams called me to tell me the sad news of the death of her beloved father, Sir Frank Williams. ”
"He's a true giant in the sport, overcoming life's toughest challenges and fighting for victory every day on and off the track. The F1 family has lost a beloved and respected member who we will miss very much. ”
"His incredible accomplishments and character will forever be etched in the sport, and my heart is with Williams' family and friends at this sad time."
In addition, Capito, the current CEO and team leader of Williams Team, also paid tribute to the team's founder: "Sir Frank is a legend and symbol of the sport, his departure represents the end of an era for the team and F1 sport, he is a unique and true pioneer. Despite experiencing many adversities in his life, he led the team to 16 world championships, making us one of the most successful teams in the history of F1 sport. ”
"His integrity, team spirit, strong spirit of independence and determination remain the core values of our team and his legacy, and we are proud to use the williams family name to race. We are with the Williams family at this difficult time. ”
As two active drivers of the Williams team, Russell and Latifi also paid tribute to the former team's legendary founder and team leader.
Russell: "Today, we say goodbye to the people who defined our team. Sir Frank was a truly remarkable man and I will always remember the laughter we shared. He's not just a boss, he's a mentor to everyone who joins the Williams team, as well as many others. ”
"It is a great honor to be able to serve him and be a small part of his immeasurable legacy. His legacy will forever be rooted in the heart and soul of the team. Rest in peace, Sir Frank, thank you for all that you have done for me. ”
Latifi: "Rest in peace Sir Frank Williams, this is such sad news, it is a huge loss for us in this sport and for the team. It is an honor to stand on the world stage on behalf of the team that bears your name and we will continue to work hard to get the team back to the top. ”
Sir Frank Williams has left an indelible mark on the F1 world over the decades. In his early years, he briefly worked as a driver and mechanic, before he saw owning an F1 team of his own as his next goal.
In 1966, he financed his income as a salesman and founded Frank Williams Racing Cars. The team was competitive in F2 and F3 and he subsequently bought the brabham team's chassis and entered F1 in 1969. Due to a shortage of funds, the team began working with oil tycoon Walter Wolff in 1976. Sir Frank tried to stay in his role as an employee, but it didn't suit him, and in the end he chose to leave.
In 1977, Sir Frank and engineer Patrick Hyde founded williams Grand Prix Engineering, the predecessor of today's Williams F1 team. The headquarters of the convoy is just an old carpet warehouse.
In 1979, Regazzoni helped the team win the first victory in team history, and in 1980, Alain Jones won the first drivers' championship in Williams history, and the team was also crowned the constructors' championship. In its 44-year history to date, Williams has won seven drivers' championships, nine constructors' championships and 114 grand prix victories.
In 1986, Frank Williams suffered an accident in France that left him with spinal cord injuries that left him unable to walk and rely on a wheelchair to move. Even so, Frank was determined to come back and manage his team again.
"It's a competitive sport and I'm a competitive person." This is Sir Frank Williams in the F1 world, the eternal legend.
Sir Frank Williams, 1942-2021