Claire Williams launches the Frank Williams Academy in tribute to her father

The former director of Williams Racing and daughter of its late founder Frank Williams has launched the Frank Williams Academy, a charitable organization that will help individuals suffering from spinal cord injuries. The Williams Racing team announced it this afternoon. The Academy will be managed by the Spinal Injuries Association (SIA), the official charitable association of the F1 team.

Claire Williams was obviously present at the presentation ceremony, but also Matthew Savage and James Matthews, members of the Williams Racing board of directors, as well as James Vowles, the team’s new director.

“We are delighted to support the launch of the Frank Williams Academy,” said Matthew Savage, Chairman of the Board of Williams Racing. “Honoring Sir Frank’s life by providing fundamental education, care, and support to change the lives of people with spinal cord injuries is truly special. Everyone at Williams Racing is excited to contribute to the success of the Academy.”

We are proud to support the launch of the Frank Williams Academy, pioneered by @spinalinjuries 🤝#WeAreWilliams

— Williams Racing (@WilliamsRacing) April 19, 2023

Claire Williams is leading a fundraising campaign to raise 1.5 million pounds sterling (1.7 million euros) to launch the Early Years Academy. The funds will be used to assist in educating and training individuals affected by spinal cord injuries as well as healthcare professionals to ensure the delivery of safe and appropriate care.

« My father lived an extraordinary life, notably as one of the most successful team managers in the history of sports, and all this while being in a wheelchair as a quadriplegic for most of his life, commented Claire Williams during the launch of the Academy. « His resilience in the face of this adversity was just one of the many things that made him a source of inspiration for many people during his lifetime.

The crucial support of SIA for Frank Williams

Frank Williams became quadriplegic following a car accident in 1986 in the south of France. The former racing driver was leaving the Paul Ricard circuit, accompanied by sponsor Peter Windsor, when he lost control of the car on the highway towards Nice airport.

Frank Williams suffered a spinal fracture that left him paralyzed from the shoulders down. However, despite this tragedy, the former driver continued to work in motorsport and founded the Formula 1 team Williams, which achieved the success we know today, winning no less than nine constructors’ championships in the Formula 1 World Championship and seven drivers’ championships. Frank Williams was able to rely on the support of the SIA, which was crucial for his recovery and return to work after his accident. He passed away in November 2021.

During the next Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku, on April 30th, the logo of the Frank Williams Academy will appear on the FW45 cars of both drivers Alex Albon and Logan Sargeant.