“There will always be a place here for Claire to pop back and see us” – Williams F1 team principal Simon Roberts has confirmed the team name after the takeover by investment firm Dorilton Capital.
The Williams F1 family might have left the team, but they remain a part in soul, and in name. This is according to team principal Simon Roberts, who was speaking to Autosport about the everlasting legacy of the Williams family. Roberts also specifically thanked former deputy principal Claire Williams for her efforts over the years.
“We accept that things have to move on, but there will always be a place here for Claire to pop back and see us.”
“And hopefully when we’re back in Europe sometime next year, she’ll be able to do that. But she’s had a really tough time. Keeping this together for as long as she has, and keeping spirits up as she has, is amazing. We really respect everything she did.”
The one where a light-hearted quiz got VERY competitive 😅 pic.twitter.com/l5wvUrTn9Z
— Williams Racing (@WilliamsRacing) January 18, 2021
Williams F1 team name to remain unchanged
Simon Roberts also confirmed the team name will not change from Williams Racing. Williams is an iconic team of the sport, alongside the likes of Ferrari and McLaren. Sir Frank Williams played a major role in the team’s success and Roberts can count him as his esteemed predecessor.
“But, we’re Williams still. And that’s really important to us. A lot [of that is] just trying to be open, trying to be as diverse as we can, employing people with all different backgrounds and nationalities, ethnic backgrounds – that’s really super important to us.”
“And when we talk about it still, in the various committees that we have on that kind of stuff, we still reference back to what it means because of Frank and because of Claire. So yeah, they’re always in our hearts.”