Sir Frank Williams "a very, very rare species" - Vettel

Sebastian Vettel has hailed Sir Frank Williams as "a very, very rare species" in the wake of the news his era in Formula 1 is to end after 43 years.

Williams announced on Friday the family is to leave F1 after this weekend's Italian Grand Prix following the recent acquisition by US-based investment company Dorilton Capital.

While the name 'Williams' will continue in F1 as a team, Sir Frank and daughter Claire will no longer play an active role in the historic organisation from Monday.

Four-time champion Vettel, who made his test debut with Williams in 2005 and who most recently purchased Nigel Mansell's 1992 title-winning FW14B, paid a glowing tribute, but also recognised the recent decline of the team.

“It’s obviously a shame, destiny has been quite tough on the team, especially on Frank," said Ferrari driver Vettel. "I think he’s one of those figures that you don’t come across too often, they’re just a very very rare species. A great guy.

“I always had huge respect for Frank and for Williams. I don’t know if the name will be kept – I hope so – because it stands for a lot of good things, even though the last years have been tough.

“I wish both of them the best for their future, and I hope we still get to see them at the racetrack.”

Fellow F1 champion Lewis Hamilton, who once came close to joining Williams in 2004 prior to eventually signing for McLaren, echoed Vettel's words regarding Sir Frank.

“I’m a big fan of Sir Frank and his incredible contribution to the sport," said Hamilton. "He was always so positive to me and one of the people I respected most here and he’s probably one of the most honest, if not the most honest, people here in Formula 1.

“And so I'm definitely sad to see the end of a chapter, but the legacy will continue as I believe they keep the name, at least.

"I was hopeful at some stage they were going to come back and be back at the front. I dreamed of driving the car Mansell had, or DC's [David Coulthard] car, but it never turned into a real option, and that's when I moved on to Mercedes.

"I wish them all the best, all the health in the world, for their next endeavours.”

Valtteri Bottas, who was test driver with Williams in 2012 before being promoted to a race seat he retained for four seasons prior to his switch to Mercedes, conceded to feeling "quite sad" at the news of Sir Frank's departure.

"I still remember the first time I went to the factory and when I met Frank, then eventually getting that opportunity to become a test driver, using that opportunity, and then they gave me the chance to become a race driver," said Bottas.

"They really, really believed in me and they gave me the opportunity to show what I could do. Definitely without Williams, and especially without Frank, who was, at that time, very much in charge, I wouldn't be here.

“I’m forever thankful for Williams, how they helped me develop as a driver and getting my first points with them, getting my first podium in Formula 1 with them.

"Of course, as time went on Claire also became more involved so, to be honest, I was quite sad to see the news that the family is stepping away from the race team.

“It was his life project, and I think he’s done really well and I think the whole family should be very proud of what they’ve achieved.

"Williams has got records. What they have achieved in Formula 1 is really impressive by a family team. So very sad, but I’m very, very thankful for everyone there."

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