Legendary F1 team boss Sir Frank Williams dies aged 79

Williams’s death was announced by Williams Racing on behalf of his family on Sunday. 

Williams founded Williams Grand Prix Engineering in 1977 and led the outfit named after him to become one of the most successful teams in F1 history. 

The Williams team claimed 114 F1 victories, seven drivers’ titles and nine constructors’ championships. 

"It is with great sadness that on behalf of the Williams family, the team can confirm the death of Sir Frank Williams CBE, founder and former team principal of Williams Racing, at the age of 79,” A Williams team statement said. 

"After being admitted into hospital on Friday, Sir Frank passed away peacefully this morning surrounded by his family.

"Today we pay tribute to our much loved and inspirational figurehead. Frank will be sorely missed. We request that all friends and colleagues respect the Williams family's wishes for privacy at this time."

Williams and daughter Claire ended their involvement with the team in 2020 after selling Williams to US investment firm Dorilton Capital. 

Current Williams Racing CEO Jost Capito said: “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.

“His values including integrity, teamwork and a fierce independence and determination, remain the core ethos of our team and are his legacy, as is the Williams family name under which we proudly race.” 

F1 CEO Stefano Domenicali added: “This morning Claire Williams called to inform me of the very sad news that her beloved father, Sir Frank Williams had passed away. 

“He 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. We have lost a much loved and respected member of the F1 family and he will be hugely missed.

“His incredible achievements and personality will be with etched on our sport forever. My thoughts are with all the Williams family and their friends at this sad time.”