The 2021 season in Formula 1 was shaping up to be one of the most unforgettable campaigns in recent memory. But for all the excitement that the races may produce in the future, F1 will never forget this season for a whole other reason, an unfortunate one. F1 lost something today, a void that will never be filled. Today, Sir Frank Williams passed away.
The longest-serving team principal in the sport’s history took his last breath on the morning of November 28, 2021. A press release from his family on Williams Racing reveals that he was surrounded by his family and died peacefully.
Naturally, tributes poured in from all over the motorsports community across the globe.
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A statement from Williams Racing. pic.twitter.com/urzeKUL7bx
— Williams Racing (@WilliamsRacing) November 28, 2021
Following the sad news of the passing of Sir Frank Williams, Laurent Rossi, CEO, Alpine commented:
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.
(1/4) pic.twitter.com/58MWQw4Ub7
— Alpine F1 Team (@AlpineF1Team) November 28, 2021
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 & @WilliamsRacing. Rest in peace, my friend https://t.co/iWygN5mYzi pic.twitter.com/uz4xyru9l4
— Jean Todt (@JeanTodt) November 28, 2021
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 @WilliamsRacing. RIP https://t.co/vrsAk1pxQX
— Jeff Gordon (@JeffGordonWeb) November 28, 2021
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
Sir Frank Williams, more than an F1 legend
If there ever was an example of picking up your life, finding your passion, and following it to success, stopping at nothing, no matter the adversity, it’s the life of Frank Williams.
The team he founded has won 7 drivers’ championships, 9 constructors’ championships, and 114 races. Legends like Ayrton Senna, Alain Prost, Nelson Piquet, Nigel Mansell, Damon Hill, and Jacques Villeneuve have all raced for Williams.
And the astonishing thing is, Frank Williams started this team that achieved all this success completely on his own. In fact, in the very beginning, Williams Racing was funded by its founder’s savings as a traveling grocery salesman.
Williams remained the Team Principal of his team for 51 years. Nothing impeded his commitment and passion for F1, not even a permanent disability caused by an accident.
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Interestingly, what he said after that accident is worth mentioning after his passing.
“As I see it, I have had 40 years of one sort of life, now I shall have another 40 years of a different kind of life.”
Williams fell short by just one year to have 40 more years of his life. But death can only end the existence of a body. Williams will live through his name, his team, and his legacy.
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And most importantly, Sir Frank Williams will remain in our hearts because of his pure and relentless love for Formula 1.
