Sir Frank Williams has died at the age of 79. Leaving behind him a true legacy in the F1 world. The word ‘Legend’ is thrown around far to often these days, but in the case of Sir Frank, there is nobody more suited to its usage.
As the whole world has found out about his passing, we have compiled this page of great tributes from all around the F1 grid and the wider motorsport world.
The Williams Racing team announced the news with this statement from the family.
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.
For those wishing to pay tribute, we ask that donations are made in place of gifts to the Spinal Injuries Association, alternatively we would welcome flowers to be placed at the entrance of the team’s headquarters in Grove, Oxfordshire. Details of the memorial service will follow in due course.
Williams Family
More tributes followed shortly after..
“Frank was one of the old-timers who went back an awful long way.
One wonders that if people like Frank had not been around in the early days whether Formula One would have survived today. He was one of the people that built Formula One.
Claire phoned me this morning to say we had lost Frank which I was happy and unhappy about. He had done so well for so long. But maybe these things are a blessing in disguise.
She was obviously upset and we all knew this would happen before long.
They called her yesterday to the hospital and said you ought to come and see him because he doesn’t have long to be with us. But I asked if he suffered at all and she said no, he didn’t.
His story is incredible. Nobody lived as long as him in his condition (as a tetraplegic).
But Frank never complained. He never whined and grizzled. He got on with things the best he could. He was a fighter. Frank was just Frank. He gelled with everyone and everyone liked him.”
Bernie Ecclestone F1 supremo
“Frank 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 their friends at this sad time.”
Stefano Domenicali current CEO F1
“Frank was just remarkable in every respect with his dedication to the team. His record will stand for a very long time.
“The only person I could compare him to is (Ferrari founder) Enzo Ferrari. He loved Formula One and he loved racing. Anyone who runs a team would like to aspire to his achievements and to his record.
He was a man of few words. He could speak many languages but he didn’t really engage in idle gossip. He’s a huge part of the history of the sport.”
Damon Hill, the 1996 world champion with Williams Racing
Friend of EverythingF1 Mark Gallagher posted his thoughts on the F1 great!
All at McLaren pay tribute to Sir Frank Williams.
He was a true racer that embodied passion, ingenuity and commitment. Through immeasurable adversity, Sir Frank created a formidable team and a fearsome competitor. The Williams name will be etched in Formula 1 history and his loss will be felt by everyone in Formula 1 and well beyond.
We send our condolences to his family and all who knew and worked with him.
McLaren F1 post their tribute to Sir Frank Williams
There are literally thousands of great tributes, we will endeavour to keep this article up to date with the many that keep rolling in.
From all of us at EverythingF1, we thank you Sir Frank Williams for all that you have done within our beautiful sport. It wouldn’t be what it is today without your presence. Our thoughts are with your family and friends. RIP