Williams Racing confirmed the sad news of the death of Sir Frank Williams on Sunday morning after being admitted to hospital on Friday.

Ahead of the Saudi Arabian GP weekend, 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.

His family was beside him in his last days. Williams will share the details of the memorial service in due course but has requested to make any donations in gifts towards Spinal Injuries Association and flowers to be placed at the entrance of team’s HQ at Grove.

Here’s the full statement from Williams: “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. For those wishing to pay tribute, we ask that donations are made in place of gifts to the Spinal Injuries Association, alternatively we would welcome flowers to be placed at the entrance of the team’s headquarters in Grove, Oxfordshire. Details of the memorial service will follow in due course.”

Upon the news, Williams CEO Jost Capito stated: “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.”

Williams was co-founded with Patrick Head in 1977 after years of racing in F3, F2 and F1 in various ways. Since the start of the journey then, the team has run till today albeit now the family has passed the torched to Dorilton Capital.

The new owners, though, retained the Williams name for now. In the decades of competition, the team has won nine constructors’ championship and seven drivers’. In terms of wins, they have 114 against its name with 313 podiums and 128 poles.

From everyone at FormulaRapida.net, we pay our condolences