Legendary F1 personality Sir Frank Williams passed away today. The former team boss and founder of Williams Racing was 79 years old. 

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A statement from Williams said: “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. 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.”

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Williams success

Sir Frank, along with Patrick Head founded Williams Grand Prix Engineering in 1977. Williams first F1 victory came in 1979 thanks to Swiss star Clay Regazzoni. That win opened the floodgates to 114 victories to date, leading to nine Constructors’ and seven Drivers’ World Championships.

In 1986 Williams was involved in a severe car accident which left him wheelchair-bound for life. That did nothing to diminish his drive to succeed and he maintained a hands-on approach to the F1 team. He eventually relinquished control in 2012, handing over the reins to his daughter Claire. His life and challenges were immortalised in feature movie (trailer below).

Tributes from all over the world of motorsport have been pouring in for the revered F1 figure. F1 President and CEO Stefano Domenicali said: “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 etched on our sport forever. My thoughts are with all the Williams family and friends at this sad time.”