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Ecclestone: Frank was one of the men who built Formula One and he was a fighter who never complained about his condition

THE death of Formula One’s Sir Frank Williams at the age of 79 has been described as the “end of an era”.

The team won the Formula One drivers’ title seven times and the constructors’ championship on nine occasions under Williams’ stewardship. The sport’s former supremo Bernie Ecclestone (left, with Williams) said: “He was one of the old-timers who went back an awful long way, and one wonders that if people like Frank hadn’t been around in the early days whether Formula One would still be surviving today.

“He was one of the people that built Formula One.

“Nobody lived as long as him in his condition (as a tetraplegic). But Frank never complained. He never whined and grizzled. He got on with things the best he could. Frank was a fighter. It is the end of an era.”

And seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton said: “Sir Frank Williams was one of the kindest people I had the pleasure of meeting in this sport, always had time for me and always without judgment.

“I feel so honoured to have called him a friend.

“What he achieved in this sport is something truly special. I have utmost respect and love for this man, and his legacy will live on forever.”

Damon Hill, who won the world title with the Williams team in 1996, said: “Frank had a passion for cars, for racing.

“There was nothing else he was really interested in doing.

“He was just remarkable in every respect and his dedication to the team. His record will stand for a very long time.

“The only person I could compare him to is Enzo Ferrari. He loved Formula One and he loved racing.”

Williams driver George Russell said: “Sir Frank was such a genuinely wonderful human being and I’ll always remember the laughs we shared. He was more than a boss, he was a mentor and a friend to everybody who joined the Williams Racing family and so many others.”

The team’s current CEO and principal Jost Capito also paid tribute. In a statement Capito said: “He was one of a kind and a true pioneer.

“Despite considerable adversity in his life, he led our team to 16 world championships, making us one of the most successful teams in the history of the sport.”

Stefano Domenicali, chief executive of F1 rights holders the Formula One Group and former Ferrari team principal, said: “We have lost a much loved and respected member of the F1 family and he will be hugely missed.”