Sir Frank Williams, the longest-serving Team Principal in Formula 1 history, passed away at the age of 79.
Williams was admitted to hospital on Friday according to a statement from his family, before passing away peacefully on Sunday.
The F1 boss spent time in hospital in 2016 as he battled with pneumonia, and also was admitted to hospital in December last year. His declining health meant he stopped travelling to races, and scaled back his role with Williams in 2012.
The Brit was a pivotal figure in the sport having set-up Williams Racing in 1977, and led them to 16 World Championships making them one of the sport’s most successful and recognisable outfits.
Over the weekend tributes have flooded in for the legendary Williams boss.
Williams Racing
Williams Racing led the tributes to their former boss with a heartfelt statement from CEO Jost Capito.
The organisation also shared a tribute from the Williams family on their website.
“Frank will be sorely missed. We request that all friends and colleagues respect the Williams family’s wishes for privacy at this time.
For those wishing to pay tribute, we ask that donations are made in place of gifts to the Spinal Injuries Association, alternatively we would welcome flowers to be placed at the entrance of the team’s headquarters in Grove, Oxfordshire.”
Lewis Hamilton
Fellow Brit and Mercedes Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton also took to social media to pay tribute to the much loved F1 boss.
Hamilton and Williams shared a close relationship over the years despite never being signed to the same racing team.
The pair even shared a hot-lap around Silverstone in 2019 to mark Williams’ 50 year spell in the sport.
Toto Wolff
Mercedes boss Toto Wolff shared his sympathies following the death of Williams via the Mercedes Twitter account.
The Austrian F1 boss worked closely with Sir Williams after joining the board of directors in 2009 before leaving in 2013 to join Mercedes.
George Russell
Current Williams driver George Russell called Williams “more than a boss,” in his statement.
Russell, who was signed to the British racing outfit in 2019, posted a string of heartfelt messages on Twitter.
“It has been a genuine honour racing for him and being a small part of the incredible legacy he leaves behind,” he said.
“A legacy that will forever live on in the heart and soul of this team.”
McLaren Racing
While Williams Racing and McLaren may be rivals on the track, McLaren also shared their sympathies towards the family and friends of Williams.
In a statement McLaren said: “He was a true racer that embodied passion, ingenuity and commitment. Through immeasurable adversity, Sir Frank created a formidable team and a fearsome competitor.
“The Williams name will be etched in Formula 1 history and his loss will be felt by everyone in Formula 1 and well beyond.”
