General

The Williams family bows out of Formula 1

Mar 12, 2011, 6:28 PM

Following the completion of the strategic review, Williams is sold to American investment firm Dorilton Capital and it is announced ahead of the Italian Grand Prix that Claire Williams will step down from her duties as Deputy Team Principal following the weekend. The team announces new board members that include 1994 Formula Renault UK champion James Matthews, the whose wife is the sister-in-law of Prince William.

Following the completion of the strategic review, Williams is sold to American investment firm Dorilton Capital and it is announced ahead of the Italian Grand Prix that Claire Williams will step down from her duties as Deputy Team Principal following the weekend. The team announces new board members that include 1994 Formula Renault UK champion James Matthews, the whose wife is the sister-in-law of Prince William.

After a frustrating rookie year in 2019, George Russell got the much-delayed 2020 season moving by qualifying a superb 11th place in the wet at the Styrian Grand Prix. The Briton has escaped Q1 on a further three occasions to date this season.

After a frustrating rookie year in 2019, George Russell got the much-delayed 2020 season moving by qualifying a superb 11th place in the wet at the Styrian Grand Prix. The Briton has escaped Q1 on a further three occasions to date this season.

Having managed just seven points in 2018 and slumped to the foot of the constructors' table, 2019 was a true annus horribilis for Williams. The new FW42 arrived late to testing and never recovered, with Robert Kubica's long-awaited F1 return destined to be a disappointment spent bringing up the rear of the field - although he did score the team's only point with 10th at Hockenheim. Its lack of performance prompts the team to conduct a strategic review to seek external investment in 2020, with the possibility of a complete sale not ruled out.

Having managed just seven points in 2018 and slumped to the foot of the constructors' table, 2019 was a true annus horribilis for Williams. The new FW42 arrived late to testing and never recovered, with Robert Kubica's long-awaited F1 return destined to be a disappointment spent bringing up the rear of the field - although he did score the team's only point with 10th at Hockenheim. Its lack of performance prompts the team to conduct a strategic review to seek external investment in 2020, with the possibility of a complete sale not ruled out.

Lance Stroll finishes third for Williams at the 2017 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, taking advantage of the Baku city track's long legs to utilise the potent Mercedes power unit in the back of his FW40. It remains the most recent podium to date for Williams, as its fortunes took a plunge in the 2018 season.

Lance Stroll finishes third for Williams at the 2017 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, taking advantage of the Baku city track's long legs to utilise the potent Mercedes power unit in the back of his FW40. It remains the most recent podium to date for Williams, as its fortunes took a plunge in the 2018 season.

Frank Williams celebrated 40 years in charge of the Williams team in a special commemorative event at Silverstone in 2017, attended by drivers past and present. On-track, his team held fifth in the constructors championship for the second year in a row.

Frank Williams celebrated 40 years in charge of the Williams team in a special commemorative event at Silverstone in 2017, attended by drivers past and present. On-track, his team held fifth in the constructors championship for the second year in a row.

Williams retains its third place in the constructors' standings in 2015, Valtteri Bottas (right) joining the dominant Mercedes on the podium at the Canadian and Mexican Grands Prix. The Finn's performances meant he was Mercedes' first pick to replace Rosberg when he retired at the end of his 2016 title season.

Williams retains its third place in the constructors' standings in 2015, Valtteri Bottas (right) joining the dominant Mercedes on the podium at the Canadian and Mexican Grands Prix. The Finn's performances meant he was Mercedes' first pick to replace Rosberg when he retired at the end of his 2016 title season.

The onset of V6 turbo hybrid engines for 2014 causes a major reset in the competitive order, and Mercedes power units are the ones to have. Williams is a competitive force once again and finishes third in the constructors' championship - its best placing since 2003 - with Felipe Massa taking pole for the Austrian Grand Prix.

The onset of V6 turbo hybrid engines for 2014 causes a major reset in the competitive order, and Mercedes power units are the ones to have. Williams is a competitive force once again and finishes third in the constructors' championship - its best placing since 2003 - with Felipe Massa taking pole for the Austrian Grand Prix.

Having held various roles in the family team, including head of communications and director of marketing, Claire Williams takes over the day-to-day running of Williams in 2013 as deputy team principal. Frank, who had left his role on the board in 2012, retains the title of team principal.

Having held various roles in the family team, including head of communications and director of marketing, Claire Williams takes over the day-to-day running of Williams in 2013 as deputy team principal. Frank, who had left his role on the board in 2012, retains the title of team principal.

Eight years after Montoya's victory in the 2004 Brazilian GP, Pastor Maldonado ended Williams' F1 drought with a shock win in the 2012 Spanish GP at Barcelona. Inheriting pole after Lewis Hamilton was sent to the back of the grid, Maldonado beat Ferrari's Fernando Alonso to score what remains Williams' most recent victory to date. The result would contribute to Alonso losing that year's world title by three points to Sebastian Vettel.

Eight years after Montoya's victory in the 2004 Brazilian GP, Pastor Maldonado ended Williams' F1 drought with a shock win in the 2012 Spanish GP at Barcelona. Inheriting pole after Lewis Hamilton was sent to the back of the grid, Maldonado beat Ferrari's Fernando Alonso to score what remains Williams' most recent victory to date. The result would contribute to Alonso losing that year's world title by three points to Sebastian Vettel.

When Rosberg moved to Mercedes for 2010, he was replaced by a German rookie called Nico Hulkenberg, who scored a fine pole in mixed conditions at the Brazilian Grand Prix - the first for Williams since Nick Heidfeld at the Nurburgring in 2005. In dry conditions, Hulkenberg's Cosworth-powered FW32 regressed to eighth in the race.

When Rosberg moved to Mercedes for 2010, he was replaced by a German rookie called Nico Hulkenberg, who scored a fine pole in mixed conditions at the Brazilian Grand Prix - the first for Williams since Nick Heidfeld at the Nurburgring in 2005. In dry conditions, Hulkenberg's Cosworth-powered FW32 regressed to eighth in the race.

Rosberg, son of 1982 champion Keke, came of age at Williams and in 2008 scored two podiums at the Australian GP (third) and inaugural Singapore GP pictured here, finishing runner-up to winner Fernando Alonso.

Rosberg, son of 1982 champion Keke, came of age at Williams and in 2008 scored two podiums at the Australian GP (third) and inaugural Singapore GP pictured here, finishing runner-up to winner Fernando Alonso.

A season with Cosworth engines in 2006 was disastrous as Williams slid down to eighth in the standings. It's strongest showing came at Monaco, where circuit specialist Mark Webber qualified second, only for his day to end with exhaust failure. Rookie Nico Rosberg showed promise, but blotted his copybook by crashing into team-mate Webber in Brazil.

A season with Cosworth engines in 2006 was disastrous as Williams slid down to eighth in the standings. It's strongest showing came at Monaco, where circuit specialist Mark Webber qualified second, only for his day to end with exhaust failure. Rookie Nico Rosberg showed promise, but blotted his copybook by crashing into team-mate Webber in Brazil.

Long-serving technical director Head (right) stood down in 2004, handing over the reins to Australian engineer Sam Michael.

Long-serving technical director Head (right) stood down in 2004, handing over the reins to Australian engineer Sam Michael.

The twin-tusk front nose on the Williams FW26 was the least of the team's problems in 2004. It only managed one win all year and fell behind Renault to fourth in the constructors' standings. The season would mark the beginning of a painful slide towards the midfield and the end of its partnership with BMW, which instead bought the Sauber team.

The twin-tusk front nose on the Williams FW26 was the least of the team's problems in 2004. It only managed one win all year and fell behind Renault to fourth in the constructors' standings. The season would mark the beginning of a painful slide towards the midfield and the end of its partnership with BMW, which instead bought the Sauber team.

Montoya and Williams were bona fide championship contenders in 2003, as demonstrated by the Colombian taking victory at Monaco. But errors from both the driver - spinning away a certain win in Australia and crashing in Brazil - and reliability problems in Austria leave Montoya playing catchup heading to the penultimate round in Indianapolis, where contact with Rubens Barrichello results in a penalty that counts him out of mathematical contention for the title.

Montoya and Williams were bona fide championship contenders in 2003, as demonstrated by the Colombian taking victory at Monaco. But errors from both the driver - spinning away a certain win in Australia and crashing in Brazil - and reliability problems in Austria leave Montoya playing catchup heading to the penultimate round in Indianapolis, where contact with Rubens Barrichello results in a penalty that counts him out of mathematical contention for the title.

Schumacher the younger scores his maiden F1 victory at Imola in 2001, the first for the Williams-BMW partnership. The German and exciting rookie team-mate Juan Pablo Montoya score four victories between them, the team's best haul since 1997, although Ferrari remains the team to beat.

Schumacher the younger scores his maiden F1 victory at Imola in 2001, the first for the Williams-BMW partnership. The German and exciting rookie team-mate Juan Pablo Montoya score four victories between them, the team's best haul since 1997, although Ferrari remains the team to beat.

Following two years in the wilderness running customer Mechachrome engines, Williams returns as a force in 2000, now with BMW power. Ralf Schumacher scores a podium first time out in Australia, watched by brother Michael.

Following two years in the wilderness running customer Mechachrome engines, Williams returns as a force in 2000, now with BMW power. Ralf Schumacher scores a podium first time out in Australia, watched by brother Michael.

Villeneuve steps up to become team leader in 1997 and in the final year of the team's successful partnership with Renault, defeats Schumacher amid another controversial title deciding clash at Jerez. He's pictured here at the Nurburgring, scoring his 11th and final F1 victory, also the last for a Newey-designed Williams before his departure for McLaren.

Villeneuve steps up to become team leader in 1997 and in the final year of the team's successful partnership with Renault, defeats Schumacher amid another controversial title deciding clash at Jerez. He's pictured here at the Nurburgring, scoring his 11th and final F1 victory, also the last for a Newey-designed Williams before his departure for McLaren.

Hill endures a disastrous 1995 which means his contract isn't renewed beyond 1996. But with new team-mate Jacques Villeneuve - son of Gilles - pushing him all the way, Hill scores eight victories in '96 and becomes the first son-of-a-world champion to emulate his father. Williams' sixth different champion takes the number one with him to Arrows in 1997.

Hill endures a disastrous 1995 which means his contract isn't renewed beyond 1996. But with new team-mate Jacques Villeneuve - son of Gilles - pushing him all the way, Hill scores eight victories in '96 and becomes the first son-of-a-world champion to emulate his father. Williams' sixth different champion takes the number one with him to Arrows in 1997.

When Prost retires, Senna at last gets his move to Williams for 1994, but his tragic death at Imola leaves Hill to take the challenge to Benetton's Michael Schumacher. It comes down to a final round showdown in Adelaide, and a controversial collision gives Schumacher the title, although Williams takes the constructors' title.

When Prost retires, Senna at last gets his move to Williams for 1994, but his tragic death at Imola leaves Hill to take the challenge to Benetton's Michael Schumacher. It comes down to a final round showdown in Adelaide, and a controversial collision gives Schumacher the title, although Williams takes the constructors' title.

After a one-year sabbatical, Prost saw out his F1 career by securing his fourth world title - and Williams' fifth drivers' crown - in 1993. The superiority of the active ride FW15C means there is little doubt over the outcome, although Senna beats impressive newcomer Damon Hill - who wins three races in a row at the Hungaroring, Spa and Monza - to second in the standings. Prost and Hill are pictured on their way to a 1-2 finish at Magny-Cours.

After a one-year sabbatical, Prost saw out his F1 career by securing his fourth world title - and Williams' fifth drivers' crown - in 1993. The superiority of the active ride FW15C means there is little doubt over the outcome, although Senna beats impressive newcomer Damon Hill - who wins three races in a row at the Hungaroring, Spa and Monza - to second in the standings. Prost and Hill are pictured on their way to a 1-2 finish at Magny-Cours.

Mansell and the Williams FW14B are utterly dominant in 1992, winning the first five races in a row and allowing Mansell to canter to the title, which he clinched with second at the Hungarian GP.

Mansell and the Williams FW14B are utterly dominant in 1992, winning the first five races in a row and allowing Mansell to canter to the title, which he clinched with second at the Hungarian GP.

After poaching design genius Adrian Newey from March in 1990, the 1991 FW14 allowed team returnee Mansell - back after two years at Ferrari - to challenge Senna for the title. He's pictured here on his way to his first of five wins that year at Magny-Cours.

After poaching design genius Adrian Newey from March in 1990, the 1991 FW14 allowed team returnee Mansell - back after two years at Ferrari - to challenge Senna for the title. He's pictured here on his way to his first of five wins that year at Magny-Cours.

Williams was usurped by McLaren in the late 1980s as F1's benchmark team, but a new partnership with Renault in 1989 would prove fruitful. Thierry Boutsen scored its first win in a wet Canadian Grand Prix that year after Senna's McLaren retired late on.

Williams was usurped by McLaren in the late 1980s as F1's benchmark team, but a new partnership with Renault in 1989 would prove fruitful. Thierry Boutsen scored its first win in a wet Canadian Grand Prix that year after Senna's McLaren retired late on.

In his second season with the team in 1987, Piquet won out in another inter-team battle with Mansell to claim his third world title and the third for a Williams driver. He is pictured at Monza, the scene of his third and final win of a consistent season, where Mansell could only finish third behind Ayrton Senna's Lotus.

In his second season with the team in 1987, Piquet won out in another inter-team battle with Mansell to claim his third world title and the third for a Williams driver. He is pictured at Monza, the scene of his third and final win of a consistent season, where Mansell could only finish third behind Ayrton Senna's Lotus.

After he was paralysed in a car accident near Paul Ricard in 1986, Frank Williams returned to the paddock at the British Grand Prix and was treated to a 1-2 by Mansell and new signing Nelson Piquet. The pair's squabbles would prove counterproductive to Williams' title hopes however, and Alain Prost stole an unlikely title for McLaren.

After he was paralysed in a car accident near Paul Ricard in 1986, Frank Williams returned to the paddock at the British Grand Prix and was treated to a 1-2 by Mansell and new signing Nelson Piquet. The pair's squabbles would prove counterproductive to Williams' title hopes however, and Alain Prost stole an unlikely title for McLaren.

Nigel Mansell was signed from Lotus for 1985, partnering Rosberg. The Finn beat him in the title standings before heading to McLaren, but Mansell - who scored a long-awaited first win at Brands Hatch - would be the team's future.

Nigel Mansell was signed from Lotus for 1985, partnering Rosberg. The Finn beat him in the title standings before heading to McLaren, but Mansell - who scored a long-awaited first win at Brands Hatch - would be the team's future.

When Jones announced his retirement at the end of 1981, Keke Rosberg stepped into the breach in 1982 and defeated John Watson to claim Williams' second world title. In a chaotic season overshadowed by politics, the death of Gilles Villeneuve at Zolder and Didier Pironi's career-ending accident at Hockenheim, Rosberg - pictured at the Las Vegas finale - only won once, at Dijon. It was also the last world title for a car powered by the Ford DFV.

When Jones announced his retirement at the end of 1981, Keke Rosberg stepped into the breach in 1982 and defeated John Watson to claim Williams' second world title. In a chaotic season overshadowed by politics, the death of Gilles Villeneuve at Zolder and Didier Pironi's career-ending accident at Hockenheim, Rosberg - pictured at the Las Vegas finale - only won once, at Dijon. It was also the last world title for a car powered by the Ford DFV.

After his Silverstone heartbreak, Jones (right, with engineer Frank Dernie and Frank Williams) won four of the last six Grands Prix in 1979 and went on to claim Williams' first world championship in 1980. A no-bullshit fighter, the Australian was the archetypal Williams driver.

After his Silverstone heartbreak, Jones (right, with engineer Frank Dernie and Frank Williams) won four of the last six Grands Prix in 1979 and went on to claim Williams' first world championship in 1980. A no-bullshit fighter, the Australian was the archetypal Williams driver.

After scoring the team's first pole position by a massive 0.6s, Jones led the 1979 British Grand Prix comfortably until engine failure handed the lead to team-mate Clay Regazzoni, who duly scooped the team's first win.

After scoring the team's first pole position by a massive 0.6s, Jones led the 1979 British Grand Prix comfortably until engine failure handed the lead to team-mate Clay Regazzoni, who duly scooped the team's first win.

For 1978, Patrick Head produced the Williams FW06, which turned the team into a major player for the first time. Alan Jones was signed from Shadow as the lead driver, and scored its maiden podium with second at Watkins Glen.

For 1978, Patrick Head produced the Williams FW06, which turned the team into a major player for the first time. Alan Jones was signed from Shadow as the lead driver, and scored its maiden podium with second at Watkins Glen.

After selling a majority share in his team to Walter Wolf in 1976, Williams decided to found a new team - Williams Grand Prix Engineering - in 1977. The team made its debut at Jarama, with Patrick Neve driving a customer March to an unremarkable 12th place, four laps down.

After selling a majority share in his team to Walter Wolf in 1976, Williams decided to found a new team - Williams Grand Prix Engineering - in 1977. The team made its debut at Jarama, with Patrick Neve driving a customer March to an unremarkable 12th place, four laps down.

Williams cars continued to be named after sponsors until 1975, when the Williams FW04 was built. Jacques Laffite scored its first podium at the Nurburgring in 1975.

Williams cars continued to be named after sponsors until 1975, when the Williams FW04 was built. Jacques Laffite scored its first podium at the Nurburgring in 1975.

Williams first became a constructor in 1972. Here, Henri Pescarolo is pictured driving the Politoys FX3, named in deference to its Italian toy manufacturer backer, at Brands Hatch.

Williams first became a constructor in 1972. Here, Henri Pescarolo is pictured driving the Politoys FX3, named in deference to its Italian toy manufacturer backer, at Brands Hatch.

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