Sir Frank and Claire Williams step down
Frank and Claire will leave the team founded by Sir Frank Williams more than 40 years ago after this weekend’s Italian Grand Prix.
Sir Frank founded Williams in 1977 and turned it into one of the sport’s most successful teams. But after a series of difficult years, the team was sold to US investment group Dorilton Capital last month. Williams and his daughter Claire, the deputy team principal, are stepping down.
The team have won nine constructors’ championships and seven drivers’ titles, and dominated large portions of the 1980s and 1990s.
But their last win at a Grand Prix was in 2012. For the past two seasons they have finished last in the championship. Financial losses last year led to the Williams family seeking new investment. That in turn has led to them leaving the team to make way for new management.
END OF AN ERA
Claire said: “With the future of the team now secured, this feels like the appropriate time for us to step away from the sport.
“As a family, we have always prioritized the team and have demonstrated that by our recent actions with the strategic review process and we believe now is the right time to hand over the reins and give the new owners the opportunity to take the team into the future.
“Our family have been in this sport for more than four decades. We are incredibly proud of our track record and the legacy we leave behind.
“We have always been in it for the love of it, for the pure pleasure of going motor racing. So this is not a decision that we have taken lightly but after much reflection and as a family.
“This may be the end of an era for Williams as a family-run team. However it is the beginning of a new era for the team. We wish them much success in the future.”
Matthew Savage, chairman of Dorilton Capital and the team, said: “We fully respect the very tough decision of Claire and the Williams family to step away from the team and the business after securing new resources for its future.
“Claire’s achievement in sustaining Williams Racing’s heritage, relevance and commitment to innovation in a difficult environment since taking charge in 2013 has been nothing short of monumental.
“She has also been hugely instrumental in shaping a more level technical and financial playing field for F1, which will help to ensure the team’s return to the front of the grid in seasons to come.
Williams name will remain
“We are proud to carry the Williams name into the next exciting phase for the sport.”
Savage, Dorilton Capital chief executive Darren Fultz and James Matthews now make up the team’s board of directors.
British driver George Russell, who is driving for the Williams team this season, said: “It’s sad to see the family step aside, but the history of Williams will still remain.
“We’ll still remain under Williams Racing, and still continue to fight and represent the family name.”