F1 News, Reports and Race Results

F1 greats pay final tribute to Sir Frank Williams

Living legends from F1 and many others from the sport came together on Monday at Westminster Cathedral to pay a final tribute to Sir Frank Williams who passed away last November at 79.

The Memorial Mass of Thanksgiving which took place a day after the British Grand Prix was attended by 600 people, according to Motorsport.com's Adam Cooper, and included many past and present drivers who helped build the Williams legacy.

F1 World champions Nigel Mansell, Damon Hill and Jenson Button were present at the service as were Valtteri Bottas, Nick Heidfeld, Martin Brundle and Jonathan Palmer, while fellow world champion and former McLaren driver Mika Hakkinen was also in attendance.

But many of Sir Frank's peers from the past and present were also present at the service, with Ron Dennis, Eddie Jordan, David Richards, Christian Horner, Andreas Seidl, Otmar Szafnauer and Jost Capito all celebrating the memory of the legendary team owner.

Sir Patrick Head, Sir Frank's long-time partner at Williams, led a delegation of past and present team members, while the famed designer also read an appreciation, noting that "Frank would have hated a eulogy".

"Frank was like Tigger for those who have read Winnie the Pooh – full of energy but not always well-directed," said Head who added that "his energy was infectious and enthused the whole team."

Former McLaren boss Ron Dennis gave a reading while journalist and former team member Peter Windsor read one of Sir Frank's favourite poems, To Autumn by John Keats.

The service at Westminster was followed by a reception at the Royal Automobile Club in Pall Mall where Clay Regazzoni's 1979 British Grand Prix winning FW07 – the car that delivered to Williams its first F1 win – was proudly on display.

©Twitter/TobyMoody

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Michael Delaney

Recent Posts

Happy 'Bert Day' to F1i founder Bertrand Gachot

Today, we at F1i.com raise a celebratory glass to our esteemed founder, Bertrand Gachot, who…

30 mins ago

McLaren’s 2024 Season: A triumph 26 years in the making

McLaren roared back to the pinnacle of Formula 1 in 2024, clinching their first Constructors'…

44 mins ago

Lawson opens up about online abuse following Red Bull promotion

Liam Lawson has revealed that he became the target of online abuse by fans of…

3 hours ago

Norris and Leclerc agree: Sainz 'deserves to fight at the front'

As Carlos Sainz prepares for a new chapter in his Formula 1 career with Williams,…

4 hours ago

Sebastian Montoya steps up to Formula 2 with Prema

Sebastian Montoya, the 19-year-old son of former Formula 1 star Juan Pablo Montoya, is set…

19 hours ago

Sauber finds its ‘Northern Star’ under Binotto’s leadership

When former Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto took on the role of Chief Operating Officer…

20 hours ago