Motorsport in unison to salute one of its legends. After the death of Frank Williams, founder in the 1970s of the Formula 1 team that bears his name, tributes multiply on Sunday, November 28. The engineer, the last craftsman of F1, who died at the age of 79, had won 16 world titles with his team, between 1980 and 1997.
Motorsport institutions have hailed Willams’ memory, starting with F1 president and general manager Stefano Domenicali, calling the Briton a “true giant” of motorsport. “His incredible accomplishments and personality will forever be etched in our sport”, he added. For Jean Todt, President of the International Automobile Federation (FIA) Frank Williams “leaves a lasting impression on the history of F1”. “He was an absolutely remarkable man and a lesson in perseverance and willpower for everyone”, he told franceinfo, mentioning the quadriplegia with which the team manager lived for 35 years.
We are filled with the most immense and deep sadness at the passing of Sir Frank Williams
His was a life driven by passion for motorsport; his legacy is immeasurable, and will be forever part of F1
To know him was an inspiration and privilege
He will be deeply, deeply missed pic.twitter.com/48JhruQpLK
– Formula 1 (@ F1) November 28, 2021
The current drivers of the Willams team, bought by a pension fund in September 2020, also had a thought for their former team manager. “Frank was a truly wonderful human being”said George Russell. “More than a boss, he was a mentor and friend to everyone who joined the Williams Racing family and so many others.” His teammate, the Canadian Nicholas Latifi, for his part, underlined “honor” that it was “represent [son] name on the world stage “.
Today, we say goodbye to the man who defined our team. Sir Frank was such a genuinely wonderful human being and I’ll always remember the laughs we shared. He was more than a boss, he was a mentor and a friend to everybody who joined the Williams Racing family and so many others. pic.twitter.com/bWpFivpkmi
– George Russell (@ GeorgeRussell63) November 28, 2021
Lewis Hamilton, the seven-time world champion, also expressed his emotion: “Sir Frank Williams was one of the nicest people I have had the pleasure of meeting in the sport, he stressed. Until his last days, I know he remained a runner and a fighter at heart. His legacy will live on forever.“
Sir Frank Williams was one of the kindest people I had the pleasure of meeting in this sport. What he achieved is something truly special. Until his last days I know he remained a racer and a fighter at heart. His legacy will live on forever. pic.twitter.com/NDIwIvzZCl
– Lewis Hamilton (@LewisHamilton) November 28, 2021
“He managed to put together a great team. Formula 1 is going to take a big hit because he was involved a lot in what happened“, for his part declared to franceinfo the French pilot Jacques Lafitte.
All the Formula 1 teams saluted the memory of the Briton, knighted by the Queen in 1986. “Williams’ name will be etched in Formula 1 history and his loss will be felt by everyone in our sport and beyond.”, wrote McLaren, while Ferrari called Frank Williams “great man having a major role in history” of F1. Alpine and Mercedes for their part celebrated the “determination”, the “passion” and the “courage” of “Titan” that was the septuagenarian.