With 113 Grand Prix victories and 16 world titles (nine constructors, seven drivers) Williams F1 is one of Formula One’s most successful constructors. Only Ferrari and McLaren can boast better records.
Of course, Williams F1 holds a special place in the hearts of Australian motoring fans with Alan Jones and the FW07 combining forces to win the 1980 constructors’ and drivers’ titles. The team dominated large portions of the 1980s and 1990s in what was its golden era.
It has been seven long years since Williams F1 last won a race (2004 Brazilian GP) and if you’re new to the sport you’d have no idea they were often the team to beat.
The death of Ayrton Senna at the wheel of an FW16 is an obvious low point for the team. And, unfortunately, 2011 won’t be remembered too fondly, either, thanks to a less than spectacular debut on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange.
A short video history of Williams F1 can be seen after the break. Perhaps Sir Frank needs to watch it as well, just so he can remember what it was like to smile on a Sunday afternoon.
[via Motorsport Retro]