Hats Off to You, Sir Frank Williams:
by Stuart Sykes.
1999 Qantas Australian Grand Prix Official Program.

Frank Williams is "an example of how impossible odds can be overcome by determination". The words are those of Louis
Stanley, former head of Britain's BRM Grand Prix team, and the most remarkable thing about them is that they were written in 1985 - before the calamitous accident that left Williams in a wheelchair. Stanley was referring to Williams' achievement in becoming a Formula One team principal: from his early days as a would-be driver, to his first forays into the World Championship with cars bought from other constructors for other men to drive, through to the late 70's when cars of his own construction were making their first impression.

While Williams, aided by men like Australia's Alan Jones, reached World Champion status by 1980, the greatest challenge of his life still lay ahead. Typically, Frank - sorry Sir Frank - never refers to his accident as such: he always speaks of it as the time when he hurt himself, accepting full responsibility for what happened. In a sport as mobile and volatile as Grand Prix racing, what strength of will must have it taken, not only to return, but then to lead his team to even greater deeds on-track?

Since returning to the pit lane, Williams has scaled some of the highest peaks in Formula One history. First with Honda, then with Renault, his cars have won no fewer than seven Constructors' Championships since 1986, and nine in all - an all-time record. Since Jones in 1980, six other drivers have become World Champions in Williams cars, though ironically enough, 1998, the year of his knighthood, was the first for a decade in which Williams had failed to score a single Grand Prix win. Though head of one of Britain's most successful enterprises, Williams remains what he always was: a man who loves his motor racing, commits himself and his team to it with energy and passion, and thereby sets an example to all around him.

Yet he would be the first to remind you that, while his business acumen has led the way, the genius of such colleagues as Patrick Head and the contribution of every one of his dedicated staff are the essential ingredients in his team's success. English history has one or two well-known men named Sir Francis, of course. One of them repelled invaders; another conjured the seas alone. Williams has beaten the world, and plans to do it again with the help of his team. Through a monumental effort of will, he has also triumphed over the most daunting personal catastrophe. No man in motor racing history ever deserved success more richly.

--End of Article--

_______________________________________________________________________________________________