Claire Williams steps back into F1 with Santander

Claire Williams, the former deputy team principal of Williams Formula 1 team, is making an official return to the sport in a new capacity as an ambassador for Santander, a prominent sponsor of the Grove-based outfit.

The Spanish banking giant forged a partnership with Williams toward the end of 2024, coinciding with Carlos Sainz’s arrival from Ferrari, and Williams’ appointment marks a notable re-entry into the F1 world she once helped lead.

The 48-year-old daughter of legendary team owner Frank Williams, who steered the team from 2013 until her departure in 2020, has largely stayed out of the public eye since stepping down in the wake of the outfit’s acquisition by Dorilton Capital in the summer of 2020.

Her recent appearances as an analyst on Netflix’s Drive to Survive hinted at a gradual return, but her new role with Santander solidifies her presence in the paddock once more.

A New Role and Reflections on the Past

Williams took to social media to express her excitement about the appointment.

“Thrilled to join Santander UK as their F1 Ambassador. Incredible to be part of a brilliant day with their leadership team – talking all things performance, resilience and what it really takes to lead under pressure.

“Big thanks to Mike Regnier [Santander UK chief executive] and the team for the warm welcome and Jennie Gow [F1 presenter] for leading such a great conversation.”

The post highlights her engagement with Santander’s leadership, drawing on her extensive experience in F1 to discuss high-stakes performance and leadership – themes she knows intimately from her time at Williams.

Her return to the sport follows a period of relative quiet, punctuated by her contributions to Drive to Survive. Speaking to Formula1.com, Williams opened up about the transition from team leader to commentator, calling it “a very strange experience for me.”

“I’m very mindful of what a privilege it is to be asked to do it. It’s one of the biggest sporting reality programmes on television and it’s beautifully made,” she said.

“I do however find it strange as I was once on the other side of the fence. Before, I would be on the show and people would be judging me. Now one of my responsibilities sat in the chair as a talking head is to comment on what people in the sport are now doing.”

Read also:

• Claire Williams on Drive to Survive return: ‘I miss F1 dreadfully'

Williams also reflected on the scrutiny that comes with F1, a facet of the sport she found challenging during her tenure.

“When I was in the sport, it was one of the things I liked the least about it – that you’re so exposed and people have so many opinions,” she said.

“So, when I agreed to do it, as much as it was a privilege, for me it was about how am I going balance being able to analyse and comment on people whose shoes I have walked in – and do it in a fair and positive way. It’s not easy.”

Her words reveal a thoughtful approach to her evolving role, balancing her insider perspective with a commitment to fairness.

With her social media announcement and candid reflections, Claire Williams is stepping back into the F1 spotlight with purpose.

Her partnership with Santander not only reconnects her to the sport she once led but also positions her as a voice of experience in its ever-evolving narrative.

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