The motorsport community from across the board has paid their tributes to Sir Frank Williams on his passing on Sunday morning.
Williams shared a sad news of the passing of its co-founder Sir Frank on Sunday evening. The Brit passed away peacefully on Sunday morning after he was admitted to the hospital on Friday as per the statement from the team.
His family was beside him in his last days. Williams will share the details of the memorial service in due course but the motorsport community has paid their homage to the maestro for his long service to the industry where some have shared some beautiful memories.
Here’s the whole list of people, team and series:
Teams, series:
Ferrari: “We pay tribute to a great man who played a major role in the history of Formula 1. Sir Frank was passionate about motorsport, a fierce and brave rival who led the team, that still bears his name, to so much success. He will always be an example to look up to and an inspiration to many for his incredible inner strength and for his determination. Our thoughts go to his children, Claire Jonathan and Jaime and to all his family and friends at this sad time.”
Aston Martin: “We are incredibly saddened to hear of the passing of Sir Frank Williams, a man who defied the odds throughout his life and career to become one of our sport’s greatest icons. A wonderful man and a brilliant competitor, his legacy will live on. Rest in peace, Sir Frank.”
McLaren: “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.”
AlphaTauri: “A legend has left us. Rest in Peace, Sir Frank Williams, your contribution to the sport and legacy will never be forgotten.”
Haas: “We’re saddened to learn the passing of Sir Frank Williams, a true pioneer of our sport. We’d like to pass on our condolences to his family, friends and the Williams Racing Team.”
Alfa Romeo: “Today we mourn a legend of our sport, a name synonymous with racing. Our thoughts are with Sir Frank’s family and our friends at Williams.”
WEC: “An icon is gone. We mourn the loss of Sir Frank Williams, legend of our sport. On behalf of the WEC paddock, we express our deepest condolences to the Williams family.”
Formula E: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of one of motorsport’s greats, Sir Frank Williams. His passion, tenacity and pioneering spirit shaped our sport. Our thoughts and condolences are with the Williams family at this difficult time.”
MotoGP: “A true giant of motorsport and his legacy will live on for generations in F1 The whole MotoGP community sends its deepest sympathies to Sir Frank’s family, friends and loved ones.”
Team bosses, officials and more:
Jean Todt: “Very sad news. Sir Frank Williams leaves a lasting impression on the history of F1. He was a pioneer, an exceptional personality & an exemplary man. On behalf of the entire FIA Community, our thoughts are with his family, friends & Williams Racing. Rest in peace, my friend.”
Stefano Domenicali, F1: “This morning Claire Williams called to inform me of the very sad news that her beloved father, Sir Frank Williams, had passed away. He 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 friends at this sad time.”
Laurent Rossi, Alpine: “Today we lost a legend of the sport. The name of Sir Frank Williams will be forever engrained in the history of Formula 1 and an inspiration for us all. Starting from nothing, his passion and hard work combined with a unique talent wrote the most remarkable story of our sport. His courage and resilience in the face of the cruelty of fate persisted and continued to demand our admiration. All the Renault family remember our time together with emotion and pride, especially the four world drivers’ titles and five constructors’ championships we achieved together. The whole Alpine and Renault teams join me in expressing our sincere condolences to Claire and the entire Williams family, his friends and to the team that continues to bear his name.”
Christian Horner, Red Bull: “Very sad to hear the news about Sir Frank Williams. A true gentleman and real racer. Our thoughts are with the Williams family at this sad time and on behalf of Red Bull Racing thank you for everything you gave to F1. RIP.”
Chip Ganassi: “RIP Sir Frank Williams CBE, founder of Williams F1 Team. We had a very successful collaboration on a couple great drivers, Juan Pablo Montoya & Alessandro Zanardi. A Gentleman’s Gentleman. Kindest regards to his family.”
Zak Brown, McLaren: “We have lost a true hero of our sport and an inspiration for so many beyond it. Sir Frank not only created a special F1 legacy but showed the power of human determination to overcome huge adversity. Thoughts with his family and the Williams team.”
Toto Wolff, Mercedes: “If there was one man who stood for perseverance, resilience and stamina, then it was Sir Frank. I am incredibly grateful and proud to have had a chance to work with him and been a small part of his journey. Many of us at Mercedes will continue to see him as a great inspiration. Rest in peace, Frank. The thoughts of myself and the team are with his family and our friends at Williams.”
Masashi Yamamoto, Honda: “It is with great sadness that we note the passing of Sir Frank Williams. His company and ours were created by men who believes passionately in the importance of engineering and both Sir Frank and Soichiro Honda were also driven by a burning will to win. We are greatly indebted to him for the success we enjoyed together. He never gave up, neither at the race track nor in life and he made an indelible mark on the history of Formula 1. We offer our sincere condolences to his family at this sad time.”
Driver list:
Lewis Hamilton: “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.”
George Russell: “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.”
Nicholas Latifi: “RIP Sir Frank Williams. Such sad news. A huge loss for our sport and our team. It’s been an honour to represent your name on the world stage and we will continue to push hard to take the team back up the grid.”
Valtteri Bottas: “Thank you for everything Frank. You will be missed but Never forgotten.”
Antonio Giovinazzi: “One of the symbols of F1 leaves us. His history and his legacy will be unforgettable.”
Carlos Sainz Jr: “Rest In Peace Sir Frank. You will be missed. Thoughts and prayers with all the Williams family.”
Sergio Perez: “It’s a sad day for our sport, Frank Williams will always be remembered as one of the heroes and F1 icons. My thoughts and prayers are with his family, especially his daughter, Claire Williams.”
Charles Leclerc: “Legends never die. Rest in peace.”
Esteban Ocon: “A sad day for entire motorsport world. All my thoughts goes to the Williams family.”
Alexander Albon: “I never got the chance to meet Sir Frank but I can feel the influence and impact he had within the team. May we continue his legacy. Rest in peace.”
Lance Stroll: “Sir Frank was a remarkable man both on and off the track. It was an honour to have met and worked with Frank and his Williams Family. RIP Frank.”
Romain Grosjean: “Goodbye Sir Frank Williams What an honor it has been to have shared some conversations with you through the years.”
Nico Hulkenberg: “Rest in Peace, Sir Frank Williams! His legacy will be forever part of F1 and I will never forget the moment in 2009 when this Man opened the door to F1 for me.”
Joao Paulo Oliveira: “Dear Sir Frank Williams, your passion for the sport was unparalleled. Thank you for being an inspiration to many of us. Appreciate you also for giving me my only chance to drive an F1 car. Rest In Peace Sir.”
Karun Chandhok: “Goodbye Sir Frank… A truly inspirational human being whose passion for the sport was only surpassed by his tenacity. My deepest condolences to the Williams family and everyone at the Williams Racing team at this time.”
David Coulthard: “An icon of the sport and a man who defied all odds in front of him. We will miss you Frank & the whole sport will remember all of your achievements.”
Jeff Gordon: “Sad to hear of the passing of Sir Frank Williams. One of the great pleasures in my career was to meet Frank and drive the Williams. RIP.”
Damon Hill: “My sentiments precisely. He had us fooled on a number of occasions. But woe betide the man who underestimated Sir Frank. Determination and tenacity personified. He has earned his eternal rest 100 times over.”
Felipe Massa: Very sad news today for Motorsport. So sorry that we lost Frank Williams. Thanks for everything you did for me Frank. It was a big pleasure for me to work and learn with you. My thoughts for your family. R.I.P Sir Frank Williams.”
Pedro de la Rosa: “Sad day for the Motorsport family. Unfortunately I never drove for Sir Frank Williams but I will never forget the sparkle in his eyes when he talked about any of his drivers…A great man and a brilliant competitor. My deepest condolences to his family and friends. RIP Sir Frank.”
Pastor Maldonado: “We can’t fight against the designs of life, what a great example of resilience Frank has left us. I will always remember you as in this photo, where I know that for you everything was worth it. I am proud to have been part of your dreams and to have been able to give you that great Victory. Our condolence to all the family, team and supporters.”
Rubens Barrichello: “For the happiness when we signed the contract in 2009 and for everything you did for motorsport.”
Nico Rosberg: “Rest in peace, Sir Frank Williams. I owe so much to you and your family. I am forever thankful and my thoughts are with you, Jonathan and Claire, and everyone else in your family. I will never forget the moment when I was standing next to you in the Monza F1 Garage in 2005 watching the Formula 1 Race and you turned to me and you said that you have decided that you want me to race for you in 2006.”
One of the sport's greatest inspirations with a legacy that will live on forever.
Rest in peace, Sir Frank Williams 💙 pic.twitter.com/IsbAKWz0uW
— Williams Racing (@WilliamsRacing) November 28, 2021
Here’s news on the death of Sir Frank Williams
[More will be added as they come]
