Claire Williams took over the reins of the Williams team from Formula 1 for the 2013 season, when his father and team founder, Frank Williamsleft the direction of the organization after 35 years at the helm.
After a first campaign in which Williams finished ninth in the constructors’ championship under Claire Williams, the Grove-based team finished third in 2014 and 2015 – its best result in ten years – and then fifth in both subsequent championships, before falling down the rankings from 2017 to 2020, when it was sold to Dorilton Capital and left the Williams family.
Reflecting on his time in charge of Williams in an interview with Black Book MotorsportClaire said: “I’ve achieved 15 podiums during my time, I don’t think any team director other than Toto (Wolff) and Christian (Horner) in the last 14 years has achieved 15 podiums.”
However, Claire Williams feels that the lack of good results in her final seasons as team director tarnished her achievements.
“I scored a quarter of Williams’ total points in the team’s entire history. That’s a lot of points. But people forget that because of my last three years,” she said.
Christian Horner, Red Bull Racing team director, talks to Claire Williams, deputy team director of Williams Racing.
Photo by: Glenn Dunbar / Motorsport Images
Dorilton Capital acquired Williams in August 2020 and Claire stepped down as team director the following month, with the Italian GP the last race she led the team. Today, she reveals that she misses being part of the F1 paddock.
“45 years in Formula 1 is a very long period and it shapes your life, it defines your character and who you are. I have lived and breathed Williams my whole life. I have lived and breathed Williams my whole existence, so four years out of the sport is still surreal, to be honest, and sad.”
“I miss it. I miss Formula 1. It’s an incredible world to be part of and it’s all-consuming, especially when you run a team.”
“It’s very difficult to leave it and find meaning and purpose elsewhere, but I have a young son whose formative years I missed because I was busy running Williams. I can be a mother, I can be a wife. We move house, I work here and there, and it’s a very pleasant way to live,” she said.
Shortly after Claire Williams’ departure, Jost Capito assumed the position of director, until he was replaced in January 2023 by James Vowleswho has since sought to lead the team’s rebuild.
“I’m delighted to have someone like James leading the team,” said Claire Williams. “There aren’t many people who have the experience needed to manage a team, let alone to take forward a team that was in terrible shape, if I can say that because I managed it.”
“The new owners, Dorilton, pulled off a brilliant coup when they managed to get her out of Mercedes. I’m very territorial towards Williams, those who run it and those who represent it, even though it’s no longer ours,” he concluded.
