Sir Frank Williams, the founder and former team principal of the Williams Racing Formula 1 team, has died at the age of 79, it's been announced.
The Williams racing team won the F1 drivers' title seven times and the constructors' championship on nine occasions under his stewardship.
A statement issued on Sunday by Williams Racing read: "It is with great sadness that on behalf of the Williams family, the team can confirm the death of Sir Frank Williams CBE, founder and former team principal of Williams Racing, at the age of 79.
"After being admitted into hospital on Friday, Sir Frank passed away peacefully this morning surrounded by his family."
The team statement continued: "Today we pay tribute to our much-loved and inspirational figurehead.
"Frank will be sorely missed.
"We request that all friends and colleagues respect the Williams family’s wishes for privacy at this time.
"For those wishing to pay tribute, we ask that donations are made in place of gifts to the Spinal Injuries Association, alternatively we would welcome flowers to be placed at the entrance of the team’s headquarters in Grove, Oxfordshire.
"Details of the memorial service will follow in due course."
Williams driver George Russell paid his own tribute on Twitter.
He wrote: "Today, we say goodbye to the man who defined our team.
"Sir Frank was such a genuinely wonderful human being and I'll always remember the laughs we shared.
"He was more than a boss, he was a mentor and a friend to everybody who joined the Williams Racing family and so many others."
At the Italian Grand Prix in Monza last year, an historic sporting chapter was closed when the Williams family contested its 739th and concluding race after selling up to Dorilton Capital.
