Williams F1 founder Sir Frank Williams in ‘stable’ condition in hospital

Williams Formula 1 founder Sir Frank Williams has been admitted to hospital and is in a stable condition.

The 78-year-old and his family, including daughter Claire, stepped away from Williams after the Italian Grand Prix at Monza earlier this year after the formal completion of the team’s sale to US investment firm Dorilton Capital.

On Tuesday, the official Formula 1 website published a statement via the Williams family, who asked for privacy regarding Sir Frank’s health.

“Sir Frank Williams has recently been admitted to hospital where he is currently in a stable condition," the Williams family said. 

"Frank’s medical condition is a private matter and therefore the family will not be releasing any further details at this time.

"We ask for you to respect the family’s privacy. The team will release a further update in due course. Thank you.”

Sir Frank founded Williams back in 1977 and led the Grove-based outfit to win seven drivers’ titles and nine constructors’ championships.

He handed the responsibility of day-to-day running of the team to Claire ahead of the 2013 season but remained in the role of team principal, marking his 50th year in charge last year.

Despite scaling back his involvement, Sir Frank still regularly attended grands prix until 2016 when he contracted pneumonia. He was last in the F1 paddock for the 2019 Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps, while he was also present at last year's British Grand Prix at Silverstone. 

Williams finished last in the constructors' championship for the second year in a row following the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix last weekend.