Sir Frank Williams, 1942 – 2021

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This week we reflect upon the sad news of the passing of Sir Frank. I remember well his presence in the paddock and like so many, remain in absolute awe of his achievements both personally and professionally. The Williams team achieved 7 Formula 1 World Drivers Championships and 9 Constructors titles, most of which came after the car accident near Paul Ricard in 1986 that left him tetraplegic. Many believe that his sublime level of physical and mental fitness at the time saved him. He certainly retained his razor sharp wit and focus.

Despite his disability, Frank remained totally focussed and perhaps even more determined. Not content with running a championship winning F1 team, he entered the BTCC in late 1995 and by 1997 the Williams operation were champions in BTCC and F1 in the same year. That said, Frank no longer had a paddock pass as his had been rescinded by TOCA after Frank had lent it to a friend!

Frank’s legacy will endure way beyond the statistics of Formula 1. We salute you.
This week we showcase a selection of pieces from Williams including Felipe Massa and Valtteri Bottas race suits, as well as a complete mounted set of scrutineer passes carefully removed after each race in 1997 from the FW19 driven by Frentzen during the last World Championship season for the team. 

New into stock we offer an original 1980 British Grand Prix Simpson race visor from Emerson Fittipaldi. This was Emmo’s swansong year and features the “non tobacco” logo strip and came direct from a former Fittipaldi Racing retiree.
Meantime the 2021 title battle heads to Jeddah for the maiden race in Saudi Arabia. The first car to turn a wheel on the new circuit will be a restored Williams FW07 with its Saudia sponsorship, driven by F3 driver, Reema Juffali. A fitting tribute.

Thank you,

Tim

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