Race and classic pictures

Sir Frank attends Williams movie premiere in London

London's West End hosted the world premiere of the new movie devoted to the extraordinary life and times of Sir Frank Williams.

The exclusive screening of the documentary, which also celebrates Williams' 40 years of Formula 1, was attended by many F1 personalities and individuals intimately linked with the British team.

The film's story is based on the 1991 book by Lady Virginia Williams: A different kind of life, and includes rare historical footage and dramatic reconstructions to tell the compelling story of one of motorsport's leading figures. 

"People may have this expectation that it’s going to be about the team’s on-track history in motorsport and a chronology of the team over the years but it’s not," said deputy team principal Claire Williams.

"It’s predominantly told through my mum’s book, which she wrote back in 1991 after dad’s accident.

"It focuses on Frank’s beginnings in motorsport, racing in the late 60s, how he got the team together in the 70s, the first success in the 80s and his accident.  

"It tells the story that a lot of people don’t know about Williams. Everyone thinks about Frank and Patrick when they think about Williams.

"The story of Williams is as much about my mum’s influence on the team in the early days as anything else and the important role that she played." 

The documentary will go on general cinema release on August 4, with a subsequent DVD and Blu-Ray release 10 days later.

 

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.

Recent Posts

Las Vegas GP: Thursday's action in pictures

The opening day of running at the Las Vegas GP was a smooth but chilly…

3 hours ago

Williams' headaches persist into Vegas practice

Williams is continuing to fight uphill battles this weekend in Las Vegas as a knock-on…

4 hours ago

Ferrari's Sainz 'not satisfied with where we are' in Vegas

It was a solid start to the Las Vegas weekend for Ferrari with Carlos Sainz…

5 hours ago

Norris labels McLaren long-run pace ‘shocking’ in chilly Vegas

Lando Norris didn’t hold back in his assessment of McLaren’s performance on the opening day…

6 hours ago

Hamilton delighted with ‘consistently strong day’ in Vegas

Lewis Hamilton was particularly happy with his opening day of running at the Las Vegas…

7 hours ago

Verstappen stuck with 'draggy' rear wing for Vegas

Red Bull fears that its prospects for this weekend's Las Vegas Grand Prix - which…

8 hours ago