By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Sir Frank Williams, founder and former team principal of the Williams Racing Formula 1 team, has died aged 79.
He built the team named after him into one of the most successful in the sport.
During his time with Williams, the team won nine constructors’ championships and seven drivers’ titles, and dominated much of the 1980s and 1990s.
He and daughter Claire moved away from the sport in September 2020 after selling Williams to US investors.
In a statement, the Williams team 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.”
Williams was a wheelchair bound after suffering a spinal cord injury in a car crash in France in 1986.
F1 president and chief executive Stefano Domenicali paid tribute to Williams, whom he described as “a true giant of our sport”.
Domenicali added: “He 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.”
Meanwhile, Williams’ current CEO and Team Principal Jost Capito also paid tribute to the team’s founder, saying: “The Williams Racing team is truly saddened by the passing of our founder Sir Frank Williams.
“Sir Frank was a legend and icon of our sport. 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. Our thoughts are with the Williams family at this difficult time.”