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The passing of Sir Frank Williams at the age of 79 has been keenly felt by the motorsport community, with his long tenure as an F1 team boss having had a profound impact not just on the championship itself, but on so many drivers and other figures across the racing scene.
Below, we’ve gathered some of the tributes posted in the aftermath of his death.
George Russell, current Williams F1 driver
It has been a genuine honour racing for him and being a small part of the incredible legacy he leaves behind, a legacy that will forever live on in the heart and soul of this team. Rest in peace, Sir Frank. Thank you for everything. 💙
— George Russell (@GeorgeRussell63) November 28, 2021
Nicholas Latifi, current Williams F1 driver
RIP Sir Frank Williams. Such sad news 😔 A huge loss for our sport and our team. It’s been an honour to represent your name on the world stage and we will continue to push hard to take the team back up the grid 💙 pic.twitter.com/4UKiU3CzB4
— Nicholas Latifi (@NicholasLatifi) November 28, 2021
Lewis Hamilton, seven-time F1 champion
Sir Frank Williams was one of the kindest people I had the pleasure of meeting in this sport. What he achieved is something truly special. Until his last days I know he remained a racer and a fighter at heart. His legacy will live on forever. pic.twitter.com/NDIwIvzZCl
— Lewis Hamilton (@LewisHamilton) November 28, 2021
Alex Wurz, GPDA chairman and former Williams F1 driver
Dear Sir Frank, please Rest In Peace! It was a privilege to race for @WilliamsRacing! You’ve been a tough but great boss, i treasure every millisecond i spent with you! The motorsport world, your friends & family will miss you, my condolences to all! Your legacy lives on forever
— alex wurz (@alex_wurz) November 28, 2021
Jost Capito, Williams Racing CEO
A statement from Williams Racing. pic.twitter.com/urzeKUL7bx
— Williams Racing (@WilliamsRacing) November 28, 2021
Chip Ganassi, legendary racing team owner
RIP Sir Frank Williams CBE, founder of Williams F1 Team. We had a very successful collaboration on a couple great drivers. @jpmontoya @lxznr. A Gentleman's Gentleman. Kindest regards to his family. @WilliamsRacing @CGRTeams
— Chip Ganassi (@GanassiChip) November 28, 2021
Jason Plato, two-time BTCC champion who made his series debut and took his maiden win for Williams
Incredibly sad news, Sir Frank believed in me when my chips were down and gave me my big break. A truly wonderful man. Sleep well my friend.
Xx. Deepest condolences to Claire, Jonathan, Jaime and all his many friends. https://t.co/V7f7De3387— Jason Plato (@jasonplato) November 28, 2021
Conor Daly, IndyCar driver whose father Derek raced for Williams in F1
Sad to see the news about Sir Frank Williams this morning. I’ve always been proud to say my Dad drove for @WilliamsRacing. Frank was incredibly kind to My Dad and I when I was racing in Europe as well. Made us feel like family. #RIP pic.twitter.com/Qo2zYDLUrP
— Conor Daly (@ConorDaly22) November 28, 2021
Derek Daly, ex-Williams F1 driver
Woke to very sad news that Frank Williams died. A man who proved that pushing for what might be possible was a recipe for success. He left a great legacy. RIP my friend. pic.twitter.com/hvuBjskXpZ
— Derek Daly (@DerekDaly500) November 28, 2021
Pastor Maldonado, the last driver to win an F1 grand prix for Williams
View this post on Instagram
Jeff Gordan, NASCAR legend and erstwhile Williams F1 tester
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
Joao Paulo de Oliveira, Super Formula/Super GT champion and sometime Williams F1 tester
Dear Sir Frank Williams, your passion for the sport was unparalleled. Thank you for being an inspiration to many of us. Appreciate you also for giving me my only chance to drive an F1 car. Rest In Peace Sir. pic.twitter.com/uyXoPbyXO8
— João Paulo Oliveira (@JPdeOliveira) November 28, 2021
Masashi Yamamoto, Honda F1 managing director
“It is with great sadness that we note the passing of Sir Frank Williams. His company and ours were created by men who believed passionately in the importance of engineering and both Sir Frank and Soichiro Honda were also driven by a burning will to win.
“We are greatly indebted to him for the success we enjoyed together. He never gave up, neither at the race track nor in life and he made an indelible mark on the history of Formula 1.
“We offer our sincere condolences to his family at this sad time.”
Nico Hulkenberg, former Williams F1 driver
Rest in Peace, Sir Frank Williams!
His legacy will be forever part of F1 and I will never forget the moment in 2009 when this Man opened the door to F1 for me. pic.twitter.com/xmhWDXR6A8— Nico Hülkenberg (@HulkHulkenberg) November 28, 2021
Valtteri Bottas, former Williams F1 driver
— Valtteri Bottas (@ValtteriBottas) November 28, 2021
Damon Hill, 1996 F1 champion for Williams
My sentiments precisely. He had us fooled on a number of occasions. But woe betide the man who underestimated Sir Frank. Determination and tenacity personified. He has earned his eternal rest 100 times over #f1 #RIPSirFrankWilliams https://t.co/pP3aO9CG8C
— Damon Hill (@HillF1) November 28, 2021
