Bernie Ecclestone not behind buyout - Williams

Williams

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Bernie Ecclestone not behind buyout - Williams

Former F1 supremo had been linked

Ian Parkes

Friday 28 August 2020 14:34

Williams deputy team principal Claire Williams has dismissed suggestions former Formula 1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone was behind the recent buyout.

Williams has confirmed that Dorilton Capital has purchased a 100% shareholding in the team, which means Mercedes motorsport boss Toto Wolff has finally relinquished his five per cent minority stake.

It has emerged, however, that Dorilton made its purchase through an investment arm known as BCE Ltd, the initials of Bernard Charles Ecclestone, leading to claims the 89-year-old had stepped in to help save the team.

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But Williams has ruled out any connection as she said: "I saw this. I spoke to Mr Ecclestone earlier in the week and I did ask him if it was him behind it - and that's a joke by the way!

"Bernie has nothing to do with our new ownership. Dorilton Capital is completely independent. Bernie is not the new owner of Williams."

Williams has revealed the last few months had proven particularly "emotional" as the sales process unfolded and the end of an era was approaching given the team has been in her family's hands since it was founded in 1977.

"In this kind of financial environment, it's never easy to undertake these transactions, but we're very happy at Williams that we've managed to secure new owners who are hugely passionate about this sport and Williams," she added.

"They have very clear ambitions for where they want to see this team, and they are prepared to put the investment into the team in order to do that."

Asked how difficult it had been to sell, Williams replied: "I'd be lying if I said it hasn't been emotional over the past few months.

"But it has been a few months, we've all managed to get our heads around it, and it can only be a good thing for Williams.

"This was a no-brainer for us, the team needed the investment, and it now has a really bright future under its new owners."

Pressed on whether she would remain in her role, and her father Sir Frank would continue as team principal, not just for this season but beyond, Williams would only say: "I am in my role, I'm here, I'm doing my job. It is business as usual for the time being."

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