F1’s sole female boss Claire Williams fights on despite team’s recent struggles

F1’s sole female boss Claire Williams fights on despite team’s recent struggles

Claire Williams, the daughter of Sir Frank Williams, is the sole female team boss in Formula One.

The 43-year-old, a graduate of Newcastle University with a degree in politics, came through the ranks of her father’s Grove-based Williams outfit by undertaking senior marketing, communications and commercial roles, before she was appointed deputy team principal in 2013.

The promotion allowed Williams to assume the day-to-day running of a team founded by her father in 1977.

Claire Williams assumed the day-to-day running of her father's team in 2013
Claire Williams assumed the day-to-day running of her father’s team in 2013 (David Davies/PA)

His efforts were all the more remarkable after he was left paralysed following a car crash in France in 1986.

He continued to run Williams until March 2012 when it was announced he would be stepping down from the board and replaced by Claire.

Sir Frank Williams is one of the bastions of the sport (Andrew Parsons/PA)
Sir Frank Williams is one of the bastions of the sport (Andrew Parsons/PA)

Claire was awarded an OBE in 2016 following her services to Formula One and – despite their recent struggles – she insists she is the right person to lead the family team.

The highly-rated young British driver George Russell will spearhead Williams’ challenge this year.

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