Claire Williams is going to leave the team’s management
The deputy director of Williams, daughter of the team's founder, will leave her position at the arrival of the Italian Grand Prix. The recent acquisition by the American investment fund Dorilton has likely hastened the departure of a family present in F1 for over half a century.
It is through a press release that the team announced the departure of its deputy director, a departure that will take place at the end of this race weekend in Monza.
Claire Williams officially joined the eponymous team in 2002 by joining the communications office. In 2012, she continued her ascent within the team by joining the board of directors as commercial and marketing director. In 2013, she took the helm (shared with her father) of the family business, becoming the first woman to lead a Formula 1 team.
Under his leadership, the team experienced difficult times but also achieved two third and two fifth places in the Constructors’ Championship.
I made the decision to leave the team to allow Dorilton to take a fresh start as the new owner. The decision was not easy to make, but I believe it is right for all parties involved. I have been extremely privileged to grow up in this team and in the wonderful world of Formula 1. I have loved every minute and will always be grateful for the opportunities it has given me. But it is also an incredibly tough sport and I now want to see what the world has in store for me. More importantly, I want to spend time with my family.
It is therefore a historic page of Formula 1 being turned, a difficult choice for Claire Williams who hopes to see her father’s team endure and perform once again.
« I would like to thank Dorilton for their support and for understanding my decision. I would also like to thank our fans who have stood by us. The people at Williams have always been like family; they kept me motivated during challenging times, and they are the ones I will miss the most. I sincerely hope that the process we have followed will bring them the success they deserve. Finally, I would like to thank my father for everything he has contributed to the team, the sport, and our family. » stated Claire Williams in a press release.
On their side, the team’s drivers (George Russell and Nicholas Latifi) were informed of the news this morning and wanted to pay tribute to the Williams family, a historic name in the history of Formula 1.
The British driver George Russell, who joined the team in 2019, even speaks of a sad day for us.
« Frank and Claire are the ones who gave me my first opportunity in Formula 1. I am grateful to them, as well as for the opportunity to drive for such an incredible and prestigious team for two years. It’s sad to see the Williams family step back, but the history of Williams will remain. We will always race under the name Williams Racing and we will continue to represent the family’s name. »
Franck Williams, F1 driver and founder of the team in 1966, has also decided to leave the factory where he had settled, as he lived there to be as close as possible to his team.
A message from Claire, to our fans.#WeAreWilliams ???? pic.twitter.com/6pKb7t2tkH
— Williams Racing (@WilliamsRacing) September 3, 2020
