RIP to absolute legend of the sport. Managed to stay independent for so many years too despite the influx of manufacturers as well as being the start for some greats.
I'm glad the name Williams is still in the sport, seeing as it's no longer owned by the family, and I hope they continue to be called Williams, no matter who owns them, as a continuation of the legacy of this wonderful man
This man is a legend of ALL sport full stop. The Canon Williams cars with Nigel ‘Red Five’ Mansell in were synonymous with the golden age of the sport. And Sir Frank was a titan of a man. Overcoming his shattering injuries to lead his team to more glory - you never heard him moan or feel sorry for himself. His is a story of determination, hope, and dedication to lead a privateer team in the world of works manufacturers we now find ourselves in.
I'm glad the name Williams is still in the sport, seeing as it's no longer owned by the family, and I hope they continue to be called Williams, no matter who owns them, as a continuation of the legacy of this wonderful man
Well said. One of the legends of F1 along with the likes of Colin Chapman and Bruce McLaren.
This man is a legend of ALL sport full stop. The Canon Williams cars with Nigel ‘Red Five’ Mansell in were synonymous with the golden age of the sport. And Sir Frank was a titan of a man. Overcoming his shattering injuries to lead his team to more glory - you never heard him moan or feel sorry for himself. His is a story of determination, hope, and dedication to lead a privateer team in the world of works manufacturers we now find ourselves in.
What a legend. Rest in Peace Sir Frank.
Probably a hard man to please, but that's because he set the highest of standards for himself and those around him. Ferociously driven and one of the last of (what for me is) the glory period of successful and competitive F1 independent teams.
I saw his start in motor racing in the formula two races at Crystal Palace In around 1967, which my dad used to take me along to, without knowing who he was until a few years later. He had Piers Courage as his main driver, which to a 7-y-o struck me as an unusual name. Looking at wiki, it also seems that I saw the first Grand Prix win by a Williams F1 car. Clay Regazzoni at Silverstone in 1979. An old school motor racing enthusiast who started out as a private small F2 team owner and created a legendary F1 team. One of the great men of British Motor Racing.
David Coulthard told a great story on TV this morning - after Senna’s death there was huge speculation as to who would be brought in - lots of big names bandied about - Coulthard was their test driver, and much to the surprise of the press, he was announced as the new driver - at the press conference Frank Williams was asked why he picked Coulthard - his reply - ‘well he has a pretty girlfriend’
Comments
This man is a legend of ALL sport full stop. The Canon Williams cars with Nigel ‘Red Five’ Mansell in were synonymous with the golden age of the sport. And Sir Frank was a titan of a man. Overcoming his shattering injuries to lead his team to more glory - you never heard him moan or feel sorry for himself. His is a story of determination, hope, and dedication to lead a privateer team in the world of works manufacturers we now find ourselves in.
What a legend. Rest in Peace Sir Frank.
One of the legends of F1 along with the likes of Colin Chapman and Bruce McLaren.
RIP Sir Frank
He'll be missed. RIP.
David Coulthard told a great story on TV this morning - after Senna’s death there was huge speculation as to who would be brought in - lots of big names bandied about - Coulthard was their test driver, and much to the surprise of the press, he was announced as the new driver - at the press conference Frank Williams was asked why he picked Coulthard - his reply - ‘well he has a pretty girlfriend’
Lovely stuff