Lewis Hamilton led the tributes to the Williams family after it was confirmed the Italian Grand Prix will be their final race in Formula 1.
The news was the first significant step following the sale of the Grove-based team to Dorilton Capital last month, which saw Sir Frank Williams hand over ownership 43 years after founding the company along with Patrick Head.
And unsurprisingly for those currently behind the wheel of the Williams cars, there was mixed emotions.
“It’s obviously a sad moment for everybody in the team to see the Williams family leaving, but it’s been a huge privilege for me to race under them,” George Russell told Sky Sports.
“For me, they hold a huge place in my heart because, ultimately, Claire and Frank gave me my first opportunity in Formula 1, which I’ll forever be grateful for.
“I think we are all at ease with the future because we know how much the team means for the whole family, and they wouldn’t have sold it if they didn’t think Dorilton and the investors didn’t have the best interests of the team at their heart.
“That is why it’s sad on one side, but we know the future of the team is bright.”
Also Read:
As for teammate Nicholas Latifi, the financial backing of his father Michael has been crucial to keeping Williams afloat over the past year.
And the Canadian heralded the achievements of the second most successful team in F1 history.
“It goes without saying that the contribution has been massive,” he said. “They’re one of the most successful teams of all time, and their pedigree and history in the sport will be remembered for years to come – and what Frank and Claire have done for the sport.
“Also, for me, it’s always going to be something special that they gave me my first opportunity, they trusted me to do a good job representing them, their team, their family name, and I hope to continue to do so in the coming years.
“What it means for the future? Right now on a day-to-day basis obviously not much has changed, in due course a new team principal will be announced for sure.”
Following the news, many within F1 paid tribute to Sir Frank Williams and they were led by Lewis Hamilton, who gave the 78-year-old a ride around Silverstone last year.
“I’m a big fan of Sir Frank and his incredible contribution to the sport,” said the six-time world champion. “He was always so positive to me, he was one of the people I respected most here.
“I think he was probably one of the most honest, if not the most honest, people here in Formula 1. So it’s definitely sad to see the end of the chapter, the end of a book. But I think their legacy will continue as I believe they keep the name at least.”
Hamilton has spoken of his affection for Williams before and revealed on Thursday that he did consider joining when looking at his options outside McLaren in 2012.
“I was hopeful at some stage that they were going to come back and be back at the front,” he continued. “I remember dreaming of driving the car that [Nigel] Mansell had or DC’s [David Coulthard’s] car, something like that.
“But it never turned into an option, really a real option for me and that’s when I moved obviously to Mercedes. So I wish them all the best and all the health in the world and on their next endeavours.”
One man who did have the opportunity to race for the team though is his Mercedes teammate Valtteri Bottas who joined initially as a test driver in 2011 before racing for them between 2013-2016.
“I still remember the day, the first time when I went to the factory,” said the Finn. “I met Frank and then eventually got that opportunity to become a test driver and then used that opportunity and they gave me the chance to be a race driver. They really believed in me and they gave me the opportunity to show what I can do.
“So definitely without Williams and especially without Frank, who was at that time very much in charge, I wouldn’t be here. So I’m forever thankful for Williams, for how they helped me develop as a driver and getting my first points with them, getting my first podium in Formula 1 with them.
“Then as time went on Claire also became more involved. So, to be honest, I was quite sad to see the news that the family is kind of stepping away from the race team and even Frank is going to be pretty much aside. It was his life project and I think he’s done really well and I think the whole family should be very proud of what they’ve achieved.
“The many things they achieved in Formula 1 is really impressive by a family team. So it’s very sad but very thankful for everyone there.”