Last evening the world of motorsport was in mourning as the legendary founder and former team principal of the Williams F1 team, Sir Frank Williams passed away at the age of 79. The Williams family which relinquished control of the team in September 2020 after investment from Dorilton Capital hadn't been seen in the paddock with its influential figurehead who had been wheelchair-bound since the mid-80s after a spinal cord injury caused by a devastating car crash.
Williams scaled this team to become the second most successful one in the history of F1, but in recent years its star had faded due to lack of investment. The team in the last decade has won only one race going back to 2012, but since the investment from Dorilton Capital, there is an upwards trajectory.
Russell joined Williams in 2019 when the team was still controlled by the Williams family
Williams, who was admitted to hospital on Friday, succumbed on Sunday evening in London. Many people from the Motorsport fraternity joined in paying him tribute, including the 2022 Mercedes pair of Lewis Hamilton and George Russell who posted emotional messages.
Russell of course is still a Williams driver and has been with the team since 2019. He worked under Frank and his daughter Clair Williams who was the deputy team principal. Hamilton had known the family since his early days in F1 in 2007.
"Today, we say goodbye to the man who defined our team. Sir Frank was such a genuinely wonderful human being and I'll always remember the laughs we shared. He was more than a boss, he was a mentor and a friend to everybody who joined the Williams Racing family and so many others," posted Russell.
While Hamilton never drove for Williams, he revealed a close friendship with Sir Frank since his early days
"Sir Frank Williams was one of the kindest people I had the pleasure of meeting in this sport, always had time for me and always without judgment. I feel so honoured to have called him a friend. What he achieved in this sport is something truly special. Until his last days I know he remained a racer and a fighter at heart. I have utmost respect and love for this man, and his legacy will live on forever. You will be missed Frank, but I will see you on the other side. My thoughts and prayers are with the Williams family," said the 7-time world champion.
Hamilton was joined in with many fellow former and current Williams drivers. Hamilton's current teammate Bottas drove for Williams before Mercedes posted," Sad news today. Thank you for everything Frank. You will be missed. Rest in peace."
Nicholas Latifi also posted, " RIP Sir Frank Williams. Such sad news. A huge loss for our sport and our team. It's been an honour to represent your name on the world stage and we will continue to push hard to take the team back up the grid."
Apart from being one of the most successful teams in the history of F1, it was also known for being the last team that the legendary Aryton Senna drove for. He died in 1994, driving Williams at Imola which has been chronicled in the Senna documentary.
