Four times Constructors World Champion during the 1980s
The team emerged in the 1980s as the one to beat and a reliability record unequalled by any other helped them to sweep to unchallenged and crushing victories in the Constructors' Championships of 1980, 1981, 1986 and 1987.

In 1982 the team aimed to become the first manufacturer to win the Constructors' title for a third consecutive year. It wasn't to be but newly-signed Finn, Keke Rosberg, who replaced the retiring Jones, won a close fought Drivers' World Championship.

Grand Prix racing's normally aspirated era was coming to an end and in 1983 it proved an uphill struggle, although Rosberg did win in great style at Monaco. Frank then announced a new association with Honda and the Anglo-Japanese turbo combination first appeared at Kyalami in South Africa.

In 1984 the team was on a "learning curve" with turbo cars but the season was highlighted by Rosberg's Dallas win. The team also moved into a superb new custom-built racing facility just a mile from their original home at Didcot.

1985 - Wins with Honda, Rosberg and Mansell
In 1985 the team had a new colourful image; Keke Rosberg had a new team-mate in Nigel Mansell; and the car, the Honda powered FW10, had an all-new carbon fibre chassis. The season started slowly but reached new heights as the two drivers climbed to the top of the victory podium no less than four times. Rosberg won the USA East Grand Prix, Mansell's two consecutive wins at Brands Hatch and Kyalami were particularly sweet as they were his first in Formula One and Rosberg's victory in Australia ensured a team hat- trick to round off the season.

Just prior to the start of the 1986 season, the team was dealt a severe blow. Whilst driving away from pre-season testing at the Paul Ricard circuit in France, Frank Williams' car left the road and overturned. It was an accident that left him confined to a wheelchair and so nearly claimed his life but, instead of bemoaning his fate, he fought his way back to lead the company in the only way he knew how. New to the team in 1986 was Brazilian former World Champion, Nelson Piquet, a worthy replacement for Keke Rosberg. He quickly adapted to the FW11 and took the new car to victory in the debut race in Brazil. The team went on to win nine Grands Prix in 1986 and secured the prestigious Constructors' World Championship.

Constructor and Driver titles in 1987
Success continued in 1987 with the team winning nine races again (six by Mansell, three by Piquet) with the modified FW11. This time they made sure of not only the Constructors' but also the Drivers' Championship, with Piquet taking his third title and Mansell runner-up for the second consecutive year.

For 1988 there were many changes. Mansell had a new team-mate in the vastly experienced Italian, Riccardo Patrese. Also the four year association with Honda ended and the team used the normally aspirated 3.5 litre Judd engine in the FW12. Unfortunately mechanical problems dogged the team's efforts during the year but despite this Mansell finished second at both Silverstone and Jerez, with Patrese achieving his season best with a fourth in Adelaide.