Frank Williams - Team Principal

Frank Williams was born on 16 April 1942 in South Shields in England. He lives with his wife and three children in Berkshire (GB) and occupies himself in the little free time he has with his interest in aviation, history, languages and current affairs.

It was at boarding school in Dumfries that Frank first read about motor racing. He soon developed a very keen interest in the sport following the exploits of the likes of Mike Hawthorn and Peter Collins and in 1958 he attended one of his very first races - the British Grand Prix at Silverstone.

Having prepared a variety of cars for other people and run his own Formula Two team, Frank realised his Formula One ambition in 1969. His close friend Piers Courage, who had joined Frank in 1968 and driven for him in Formula Two events, finished eighth overall in the 1969 Drivers' Championship. Unfortunately, tragedy struck in 1970 when Courage was killed in the Dutch Grand Prix driving a car Frank was running for the Italian de Tomaso factory.

Despite this personal loss, Frank's strength of character and determination enabled him to continue pursuing his passion and in 1977 Williams Grand Prix Engineering was formed. It was at this stage that one of the most successful partnerships in Formula One history was formed. Frank employed Patrick Head to design the chassis.

In 1986, Frank suffered serious injuries in a car crash and once again, his courage and determination helped him to fight back. His injuries left him confined to a wheelchair. However, his focus has never clouded and together with the team he and Patrick created nine Constructors' Championships and seven Drivers' Championships. Other honours include two prestigious Queen's Awards for Export Achievement (1981 and 1994) and in 1999 Frank was awarded a knighthood in the New Years Honours List to add to the CBE he received in 1986.