Sir Frank Williams CBE passes away at the age of 79

Legendary Formula 1 team owner Sir Frank Williams, the eponymous founder and former team principal of Williams Racing, has passed away at the age of 79.

Sir Frank was admitted to hospital on Friday and passed away peacefully on Sunday morning surrounded by his family.

"Today we pay tribute to our much loved and inspirational figurehead," the Williams family said in a statement.

"Frank will be sorely missed. We request that all friends and colleagues respect the Williams family’s wishes for privacy at this time."

©WRi2

Williams Racing team boss Jost Capito paid a heartfelt tribute to the man who founded the third most successful outfit in the history of Grand Prix racing behind Ferrari and McLaren.

"The Williams Racing team is truly saddened by the passing of our founder Sir Frank Williams," said Capito.

"Sir Frank was a legend and icon of our sport. His passing marks the end of an era for our team and for the sport of Formula 1. He was one of a kind and a true pioneer.

"Despite considerable adversity in his life, he led our team to 16 World Championships making us one of the most successful teams in the history of the sport.

"His values including integrity, teamwork and a fierce independence and determination, remain the core ethos of our team and are his legacy, as is the Williams family name under which we proudly race.

"Our thoughts are with the Williams family at this difficult time."

Formula 1 chief executive Stefano Domenicali also paid homage to a true motorsport "giant".

"This morning Claire Williams called to inform me of the very sad news that her beloved father, Sir Frank Williams had passed away," said the Italian.

"He was a true giant of our sport that overcame the most difficult of challenges in life and battled every day to win on and off the track. We have lost a much loved and respected member of the F1 family, and he will be hugely missed.

"His incredible achievements and personality will be with etched on our sport forever. My thoughts are with all the Williams family and friends at this sad time."

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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.