Claire Williams: proud of Williams' progress

F1: Beyond The Grid

karenellenbevan

Leisure, Sports, Technology, Automotive

4.8 • 5.2K Ratings

🗓️ 6 May 2025

⏱️ 63 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

When Claire Williams sold the Williams F1 team at the end of 2020, a very special 43-year association between the Williams family and Formula 1 came to an end.

Founded by Claire’s father, Sir Frank Williams, in 1977, the team have won 16 World Championships – a feat only bettered by Ferrari and McLaren.

Claire rose through the ranks – starting as press officer in 2002 and eventually becoming Deputy Team Principal in 2013. Over eight seasons, she led the team to 15 podiums and two P3 finishes in the Constructor Standings before she and her family left the sport.

Speaking to Tom Clarkson, Claire talks about the ups and downs of her time in charge of Williams, whether she regrets selling the team, why her dad was her biggest role model, and what it takes to run a Formula 1 team.

Plus, you’ll hear the fascinating story of why she couldn’t let George Russell join Mercedes earlier in his career and what she makes of the racer he is today.

It’s All To Drive For. Be there!
Book your seat at a 2025 Grand Prix – tickets.formula1.com

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Transcript

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0:58.7	For more than 40 years, Formula 1 was home for Claire Williams and her legendary racing family.
1:13.4	Claire's father, the late great Frank Williams,
1:20.3	founded his eponymous team in 1977, and since then, they've won 16 world championships unrivalled by all but Ferrari and McLaren. In 2013, Claire took the bat on from Frank and ran Williams for eight seasons, leading them to 15 podiums and two third place finishes in the constructor standings. Then, at the end of 2020, she sold the team, ending a truly iconic era.
1:41.4	Williams, it's in our DNA. It is us.
1:45.7	It was why we existed.
1:47.8	You know, when I used to drive to the factory
1:49.4	and I used to see the roundabout with our name on it,
	...

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