F1 and Williams confirm "numerous tributes" to Sir Frank Williams in Saudi Arabia

Sam Hall
Wednesday 1 December 2021 11:50

Formula 1 and Williams will celebrate the life of team founder Sir Frank Williams at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.

Williams announced the passing of Sir Frank on Sunday, November 28 with former colleagues and rivals all quick to pay tribute to the legacy he has left behind.

Ahead of F1's first visit to Saudi Arabia this weekend, Williams confirmed it would "honour" the 79-year-old's "extraordinary life" with "numerous tributes.

A spokesperson for Formula 1 has confirmed to GPFans that the sport is working "with the Williams team and the FIA" on a joint tribute.

Ambassador for the event and the first Saudi female racing driver, Reema Juffali, will complete laps in the Saudia national airline liveried 1979 Williams, the first car to win a race for the team, in a demonstration previously planned to celebrate the relationship between F1 and the country.

"The sad events of last weekend mean that this is our first race weekend without Sir Frank Williams as the patriarch and figurehead of the Williams organisation," said head of vehicle performance, Dave Robson.

"Although he had only very rarely been at the track in recent years, he still had a strong presence in the garage; his passion, strength and unstinting enthusiasm providing additional motivation to those of us fortunate enough to race the cars bearing his name.

"Although an era ended last weekend, Frank’s legacy will live on and we will continue to race in the manner that he would expect, drawing upon his memory as a source of pride and inspiration.

"We send the Williams family our deepest sympathies and reassure them that we will continue to honour his legend."