‘A pioneer and icon of the sport’ - Tributes to F1 legend Sir Frank Williams
Williams, who founded Williams Grand Prix Engineering in 1977 and led the team until its sale to US investors last year, died on Sunday surrounded by his family.
Williams built the team named after him into one of the most successful in the sport. During his time at the helm, Williams claimed 114 grand prix victories and a total of 16 world championships.
Seven drivers' titles and nine constructors’ world championships were amassed as Williams dominated much of the 1980s and 1990s.
Following the announcement of Williams’s death, major paddock figures from F1 and motorsport paid their respects.
F1 CEO and president Stefano Domenicali said: “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.”
Several took to social media to share their tributes. Below is just a selection of those who paid their condolences to Williams.
Sir Frank Williams was one of the kindest people I had the pleasure of meeting in this sport. What he achieved is something truly special. Until his last days I know he remained a racer and a fighter at heart. His legacy will live on forever. pic.twitter.com/NDIwIvzZCl
— Lewis Hamilton (@LewisHamilton) November 28, 2021
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. pic.twitter.com/bWpFivpkmi
— George Russell (@GeorgeRussell63) November 28, 2021
Very sad news. Sir Frank Williams leaves a lasting impression on the history of @F1. He was a pioneer, an exceptional personality & an exemplary man. On behalf of the entire @FIA Community, our thoughts are with his family, friends & @WilliamsRacing. Rest in peace, my friend https://t.co/iWygN5mYzi pic.twitter.com/uz4xyru9l4
— Jean Todt (@JeanTodt) November 28, 2021
Goodbye Sir Frank… A truly inspirational human being whose passion for the sport was only surpassed by his tenacity.
— Karun Chandhok (@karunchandhok) November 28, 2021
My deepest condolences to the Williams family and everyone at the @WilliamsRacing team at this time. #RIPSirFrank pic.twitter.com/68T4swYzPi
“The thoughts of myself and the Team are with Sir Frank's family and our friends at @williamsracing” - Toto pic.twitter.com/AO1rtZWsux
— Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) November 28, 2021
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 pic.twitter.com/4UKiU3CzB4
— Nicholas Latifi (@NicholasLatifi) November 28, 2021
— Valtteri Bottas (@ValtteriBottas) November 28, 2021
We have lost a true hero of our sport and an inspiration for so many beyond it. Sir Frank not only created a special F1 legacy but showed the power of human determination to overcome huge adversity. Thoughts with his family and the Williams team. pic.twitter.com/oVD73NkSKu
— Zak Brown (@ZBrownCEO) November 28, 2021
It's a sad day for our sport, Frank Williams will always be remembered as one of the heroes and #F1 icons.
— Sergio Pérez (@SChecoPerez) November 28, 2021
My thoughts and prayers are with his family, especially his daughter, Claire Williams. #RIP pic.twitter.com/vSs7MUIUFO
My racing family has always been Williams so can’t describe my sadness at hearing of the death of Frank. My boss, friend and inspiration for many years RIP He had a smile when he was with his beloved cars and racing drivers This picture is how I want to remember him pic.twitter.com/EgZWli4tku
— Ann Bradshaw (@AnnieBWansford) November 28, 2021
We pay tribute to a great man who played a major role in the history of Formula 1.
— Scuderia Ferrari (@ScuderiaFerrari) November 28, 2021
Sir Frank was passionate about motorsport, a fierce and brave rival who led the team, that still bears his name, to so much success. @WilliamsRacing pic.twitter.com/rtbx8Sl7aP
Rest In Peace Sir Frank. You will be missed. Thoughts and prayers with all the Williams family.
— Carlos Sainz (@Carlossainz55) November 28, 2021
One of the symbols of @F1 leaves us. His history and his legacy will be unforgettable.#FrankWilliams pic.twitter.com/OItKYQ1QYV
— Antonio Giovinazzi (@Anto_Giovinazzi) November 28, 2021
We are deeply saddened to learn of the death of BRDC Vice President Sir Frank Williams CBE.
— BRDC (@BRDCSilverstone) November 28, 2021
We will be forever thankful for Sir Frank’s passion & friendship.On behalf of the Club we send our thoughts to Sir Frank’s family & friends in this sad time.
Rest in peace Sir Frank pic.twitter.com/3glkbpqn1j
Rest in Peace, Sir Frank Williams!
— Nico Hülkenberg (@HulkHulkenberg) November 28, 2021
His legacy will be forever part of F1 and I will never forget the moment in 2009 when this Man opened the door to F1 for me. pic.twitter.com/xmhWDXR6A8
A true giant of motorsport and his legacy will live on for generations in F1
— MotoGP™ (@MotoGP) November 28, 2021
The whole MotoGP community sends its deepest sympathies to Sir Frank’s family, friends and loved ones https://t.co/rqngfiGSxK
My sentiments precisely. He had us fooled on a number of occasions. But woe betide the man who underestimated Sir Frank. Determination and tenacity personified. He has earned his eternal rest 100 times over #f1 #RIPSirFrankWilliams https://t.co/pP3aO9CG8C
— Damon Hill (@HillF1) November 28, 2021
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