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. We are incredibly proud of our track record and the legacy we leave behind. “We have been in this sport for more than four decades. We 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. As a family, we have always prioritised Williams. The recent conclusion of the Strategic Review process and consequent sale of Williams Grand Prix Engineering to U.S.-based investment firm, Dorilton Capital ensures the long-term future of the Williams Formula One team and provides a timely point at which the Williams family have chosen to exit the sport.Ĭlaire Williams OBE, Deputy Team Principal: “With the future of the team now secured, this feels like the appropriate time for us to step away from the sport. It is the third longest-standing team in the history of the sport and one of the most successful. Williams has won 114 Grands Prix, taken 128 pole positions and secured 133 fastest laps, culminating in nine Constructors’ and seven Drivers’ World Championships. The team has been through many periods of triumph and adversity but has always navigated them as a family. Sir Frank and Claire have ensured the family have remained at the helm of the team since the first race on 8 th May 1977 at the Circuito de Jarama in Spain. After 43 years and 739 Grands Prix, the family is set to leave the sport following the recent change in ownership to Dorilton Capital. This weekend’s Italian Grand Prix at Monza will mark the final race for the Williams family in Formula One. Here’s the release from Williams Racing F1 on Frank and Claire Williams leaving F1: Williams has won 114 races, taken 128 pole positions and is the third-longest standing team in the history of the series. British world champions Nigel Mansell and Damon Hill helped the team become hugely popular with home fans. Storied names have driven for the team, including multiple world champions Alain Prost, Nelson Piquet and Ayrton Senna. The British-based team finished rock bottom in the constructors’ standings in the past two seasons, and in 2019 scored only one point from Robert Kubica’s 10th-place finish. However, the last of those came with Jacques Villeneuve behind the wheel in 1997. The team was co-founded by Frank Williams, her father, and won seven drivers’ championships and nine constructors’ titles since entering the sport in 1977. “With the future of the team now secured, this feels like the appropriate time for us to step away from the sport.”Ī message from Claire, to our fans. It has not been an easy decision but it’s one I believe to be right for all involved,” Williams said in a statement. “I have taken the decision to step away from the team in order to allow Dorilton a fresh start as the new owners.
The move follows the recent change in ownership to American-based investment firm Dorilton Capital, and means that the famed Formula One family will cut its ties to the team after 43 years and nearly 750 races. GROVE, England - Williams Racing said Thursday that Claire Williams is stepping down as deputy principal and will be leaving the F1 team with father Frank after this weekend’s Italian Grand Prix.