F1: Williams founder Sir Frank dies at 79

 
It was a dark day for the Formula One racing family as Williams founder Sir Frank Williams died at 79.

He was admitted into hospital on Friday and passed away Sunday morning surrounded by his family.

A statement by the Williams car company expressed sadness that one of the racing industry’s most revered icons had finally passed.

“It is with great sadness that on behalf of the Williams family, the team can confirm the death of Sir Frank Williams CBE, Founder and Former Team Principal of Williams Racing, at the age of 79….

Today we pay tribute to our much loved and inspirational figurehead.

Frank will be sorely missed.

We request that all friends and colleagues respect the Williams family’s wishes for privacy at this time.

”
 
Williams has had a health history following a  car crash in 1986 that rendered him wheelchair-bound.

He started cutting down on his role in F1 in 2012.

The following year, he handed over the affairs of Williams to his daughter Claire.

He spent some time in hospital in 2016 recovering from pneumonia and subsequently stopped travelling to races.

 
Mazino Dickson/F1

F1: Williams founder Sir Frank dies at 79