Sir Frank Williams 1942-2021
The outpouring of affection for Sir Frank Williams following last Sunday’s announcement of his death was a clear indication of the respect in which he was held around the world. Former Williams drivers and people from all areas of motorsport united in expressing their admiration for a man who had achieved so much success, and yet remained at heart the ultimate enthusiast, always eager to see the next race or support the latest young star coming through the ranks.
He also served as an inspiration to many by overcoming the dreadful road accident he suffered over 35 years ago to live a rich and fulfilling life against the odds.
Francis Owen Garbett Williams was born in South Shields on 16 April 1942. His father was an RAF bomber pilot who left when he was a baby, and his mother subsequently devoted her attention to Frank’s upbringing. He was educated at a strict Catholic boarding school in Scotland, where he first developed a passion for cars and racing. He hitchhiked to circuits all over the UK, and on leaving school he undertook a series of jobs to raise cash for his first racing activities with a humble Austin A35 in 1962.
At a Mallory Park club meeting he crashed and, clambering onto the grass bank, he met the unrelated Jonathan Williams, who had gone off a few laps earlier. The two got talking, and Frank would soon be absorbed into a circle of racing friends that included Piers Courage, Sheridan Thynne, Bubbles Horsley and Charlie Crichton-Stuart.
In 1963, Jonathan Williams moved up to Formula Junior and, by now out of money, Frank joined him on a European tour as mechanic and companion. “There was a lot to see,” he recalled. “It was fun, always very enjoyable. It was a
