WATCH: Claire Williams Breaks Down After Russell and Latifi’s Emotional Post Race Tribute

In what proved to be a crazy race at Monza full of twists and turns, quite literally at times, drivers Nicholas Latifi and George Russell finished 11th and 14th to bid adieu to their departing employer, Claire Williams. Williams Racing were acquired by a US-based investment firm, Dorilton Capital, ahead of next season.

Post passing the chequered flag, Russell was overheard from his car radio as saying, “I just wanted to take this opportunity and say to Claire and thank Frank, thank you so much for everything you’ve done for me.”

 Nicholas Latifi also joined in from his radio to extend his gratitude, “I am sure you are going through a world of emotions, I just wanted to say one last time thank you for everything you’ve done for me.”

Deputy Team Principal Claire Williams was understandably in tears after the race, and a video also happened to capture her displaying this sentiment.

She recently expressed gratitude to the fans for their support over the years. But Claire probably felt the full force of emotions after the race finished, considering that it was officially declared that the Williams family would be stepping away from the sport indefinitely after Monza. 

Although Dorilton Capital has bought out Williams Racing, there is an understanding that they would continue racing under the same banner given its history and cultural heritage.

Williams in good hands

Williams’ social media team took the time out to post a short one-minute video on Twitter, which showcased a montage of some of their best moments of drivers and podiums, over the course of 43 years in the sport.

Although recent results and performances have not gone the Wantage-based outfit’s way, their trophy cabinet brims with 9 Constructors’ and 7 Drivers’ Championships.

Their dominance during the 1980s, which continued in the 90s as well, is a testament to the fact that their legacy will not be forgotten in their absence. As we like to put it, “You can take the racing out of Williams, but you can never take the Williams out of racing…”