Claire Williams reveals struggles with the Williams F1 team’s sale as Ted Kravitz overlooks her legacy

The ex-deputy team principal also ‘vowed’ to never watch Formula One again.

Claire Williams reveals struggles with the Williams F1 team’s sale as Ted Kravitz overlooks her legacy

Claire Williams (Image credit: GPfans) and Ted Kravitz (Image credit: TV Newsroom)

In 2020, the Williams F1 team underwent a significant ownership change after being a family-owned team for around four decades. The team was sold to Dorilton Capital, a US investment company. During the 2020 Formula 1 season, Claire Williams, deputy team principal, stepped in for her father and team founder, Sir Frank Williams, during the Grands Prix. Her involvement with the team ended at the 2020 Italian Grand Prix.

During an interview before Williams’ 800th race at the Hungarian Grand Prix, Claire expressed her feelings about selling the team. She revealed that leaving Monza made her feel extremely disheartened, like her heart had been torn out. Claire also mentioned finding a replacement was difficult then and continues to be challenging, even after three years.

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“When I left in Monza it felt like someone cut my heart out and it has never been returned,” she told Independent. “You just have to find something to put in its place. But it was very difficult then and three years on, it is still really hard.”

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Also read: Williams has hit the jackpot by recruiting the ‘calm and confident’ Alex Albon, admits team executive Dave Robson

Claire Williams’ vow to turn her back on F1 forever after Ted Kravitz’s snub

Frank and Claire Williams (Image credit: GP fans)

After selling the Williams F1 team to Dorilton, Sir Frank Williams passed away a year later. He had been paralyzed since 1986 and faced various health issues. Despite the ownership shift, the team’s name remained unchanged, paying tribute to his forty-year stewardship, which included nine Constructors’ Championships and seven Drivers’ Championships. However, former deputy tea principal Claire Williams revealed she has completely cut-off F1 from her life.

She recalled watching Alex Albon’s points finish in Australia earlier that year. She also mentioned that Ted Kravitz congratulated James Vowles, referring to him as the third team principal of Williams. Feeling excluded, she thought about Frank Williams and Jost Capito, and herself, realizing she had been “erased” and not acknowledged as a team principal. Upset, she turned off the TV and decided not to watch the sport again.

“Alex had scored a point in Australia earlier this year,” she said. “Ted [Kravitz] grabbed James [Vowles] and said, ‘mate, congratulations, you are only Williams’ third team principal and you have got a point. Ted has just cancelled me on national television! I turned it straight off and vowed never to watch again,” she added.

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