The Bahrain International Circuit (BIC) has shared a ’thank you and goodbye' message on social media to the founders of Williams, Formula 1's third most successful team.
The family will leave the team founded by Sir Frank Williams after more than 40 years of involvement in the sport.
A message from Claire, to our fans.#WeAreWilliams 💙 pic.twitter.com/6pKb7t2tkH
— Williams Racing (@WilliamsRacing) September 3, 2020
Sir Frank founded Williams in 1977 and after a series of difficult years, the team was sold to US investment group Dorilton Capital last month.
Williams and his daughter Claire, the deputy team principal, will step down following tomorrow’s Italian Grand Prix.
The team have won nine constructors' championships and seven drivers' titles, and dominated large portions of the 1980s and 1990s.
But their last win at a Grand Prix was in 2012 and for the past two seasons they have finished last in the championship. Financial losses last year led to the Williams family seeking new investment.
Claire Williams sent fans a moving message on social media and said: "With the future of the team now secured, this feels like the appropriate time for us to step away from the sport."
Former Williams driver Valtteri Bottas and reigning World Champion Lewis Hamilton were among many in the sport to pay tribute to the family.
The BIC also marked the move with this message: 'Thank you Claire! The legacy of Williams Racing will live on in our hearts’ alongside a cartoon.
Currently, George Russell is contesting his second season for Williams, while alongside him is 2019 Formula 2 driver Nicholas Latifi, the only ‘new’ driver on the grid for 2020.
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