Claire Williams: I don’t watch Formula 1 anymore

Claire Williams, once deputy head of Williams, all but disappeared from public view after the team, founded by her father, Sir Frank Williams, was sold to US investment fund Dorilton Capital in 2020.

She retired from racing and appeared in the paddock, and only occasionally did her name flash in the news, either in the context of a protracted legal battle between Williams and ROKiT, the team’s former sponsor, or for other more fun reasons, but not directly related. to motorsport.

“I don’t watch Formula 1 anymore,” Claire told the tabloid The Sun. “It was a very conscious choice, because I am still recovering from my pension. Saying goodbye to my team left a strong feeling of emptiness. We didn’t want to sell it, but we got into a difficult life situation when we were forced to do so.

But now I’m slowly coming back to the idea that I’ll be watching races again soon. It still hurts and hurts me to see other people lead a team that has been our family and life’s work.”

Since the spring of this year, Williams has been led by James Vowles, an experienced English specialist, former director of strategy for the Mercedes team, and there are already real signs of progress – Alex Albon fighting on equal footing with drivers from stronger teams and earning points . Suffice it to say that at Silverstone he was ahead of both Ferrari drivers.

If her father were still alive (Sir Frank passed away at the end of November 2021), he would have approved Vowles’ appointment, according to Claire Williams: “It is nice that the Williams name still remains in Formula 1. James is now in charge of the team, and it looks like she’s headed in the right direction.

When I was told James would direct it I thought it was just brilliant. This is a brilliant choice. And I sincerely believe that my father would also be happy with such a decision.”