Claire Williams appointed an OBE!

40

Williams deputy team principal Claire Williams was today appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) at Buckingham Palace.

Claire was honoured in the Queen’s 2016 Birthday Honours List for her services to Formula One.

"Today is a very proud day for me, but this is also a bit of a surprise," said Claire Williams.

"To be recognised in this way is a tremendous honour but one everyone at Williams can take credit for.

"I’m extremely lucky that I get to do a job that I love. To be able to play a role in a family legacy is an enormous privilege and one I don’t take for granted.

"Formula One, and Williams, are great success stories for the UK and I will continue to use my role to help showcase what a great sport Formula One is, what a brilliant platform for this country’s expertise in high class engineering it is, as well as a place that welcomes women across all of its disciplines."

Williams chief financial officer moves to Vodafone

The 40-year-old deputy team principal and commercial director of Williams kick-started her career in motorsport as a press officer for Silverstone racing circuit.

She joined Williams as communications officer in 2002 and then taking the reins of the department in 2010. In 2011, she was promoted to director of marketing and communications for Williams.

When Frank Williams stepped down from the Williams board in March 2012, Claire became the Williams family representative on the board before her appointment as deputy team principal in March 2013.

GALLERY: F1 drivers' wives and girlfriends

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

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.