End of an era as Williams F1 sold to American private investment firm… but team name stays

Sir Frank Williams sold his eponymous team to an American private investment firm for £136million, bringing an end to the family ownership of one of grand prix racing’s most successful operations.

However, the new owners, Dorilton Capital, will retain the iconic Williams name and continue to base the team in Grove, Oxfordshire.

It is yet to be decided how Claire Williams, Sir Frank’s 44-year-old daughter and deputy, will fit into the new regime. 

Williams have been sold to American private investors, ending an era in Formula One

The team was founded in 1977 by Sir Frank Williams and have been run by the family since 

Claire Williams’ role in the new setup is unclear after running the team day-to-day recently 

She is currently in day-to-day charge — while her father remains team principal in name and repute — and will still be in post for next weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix, at least.

‘As a family we have always put our team first,’ said Claire. ‘Making the team successful again and protecting our people has been at the heart of this process from the start. 

‘This may be the end of an era for Williams as a family-owned team but we know it is in good hands. The sale ensures the team’s survival but most importantly will provide a path to success.’

The team’s success has included 16 world titles with the likes of Nigel Mansell and Damon Hill

Williams struggled in recent years but are showing signs of life in 2020, led by George Russell

Sir Frank founded Williams in 1977 with Patrick Head before claiming 16 world titles through drivers such as Nelson Piquet, Nigel Mansell, Alain Prost and Damon Hill. 

But the team have won just one race since 2004 and were bottom of the standings in the last two seasons. Struggling financially, they announced in May they were potentially up for sale.

Matthew Savage, chairman of New York-based Dorilton, is understood to follow Formula One. He said: ‘We will be carrying out a detailed review of the business to determine in which areas new investment should be directed.’