Frank Williams recovering from pneumonia in hospital

2016 Mexican Grand Prix

Posted on

| Written by

Williams has confirmed team founder Frank Williams is recovering from pneumonia in hospital.

He and daughter Claire Williams have not attended recent races since he fell ill.

2016 Mexican Grand Prix practice pictures
The team’s chief executive Mike O’Driscoll said Williams “has been a fixture in the paddock for many years so it’s strange not to have him with us.”

“He’s had a tough time in hospital, he’s making a slow, steady recovery. We hope to see him back in Grove very soon, we all know how determined he is.”

O’Driscoll added he expects Claire Williams to rejoin the team at the track in time for the season finale.

“She’s wanted to be close to home, close to Frank, but in this world you’re only a phone call away, so we’ve stayed connected and she’s part of everything that happens on a minute-by-minute, day-by-day basis. We hope to see her by the end of the year, hopefully at Abu Dhabi.”

Frank Williams has been paralysed from the neck down and largely confined to a wheelchair since a car accident in 1986.

2016 F1 season

Browse all 2016 F1 season articles

Author information

Keith Collantine
Lifelong motor sport fan Keith set up RaceFans in 2005 - when it was originally called F1 Fanatic. Having previously worked as a motoring...

Got a potential story, tip or enquiry? Find out more about RaceFans and contact us here.

9 comments on “Frank Williams recovering from pneumonia in hospital”

  1. Profile Photo

    Uzair Syed (@ultimateuzair)
    28th October 2016, 23:30

    I wish Frank a speedy recovery. Founder of one of the three legendary F1 teams is no mean feat.

    1. Profile Photo

      Warner (@warner16)
      29th October 2016, 1:37

      @ultimateuzair
      +1

  2. Profile Photo

    pastaman (@)
    29th October 2016, 2:07

    Prayers are with you Sir Frank

  3. Profile Photo

    cm (@cm-cm)
    29th October 2016, 7:20

    Get well soon sir frank, there are races to be won!

  4. Profile Photo

    Illusive (@illusive)
    29th October 2016, 8:02

    Wishing for a speedy recovery.

  5. Profile Photo

    Sham (@sham)
    29th October 2016, 9:10

    I can’t imagine an F1 without Sir Frank. I hope that time is a long way from now, and I don’t think I can say that about any other single person.

    He embodies, more than anyone else I can think of, the spirit of motor racing.

    Get well soon, Sir.

  6. hello kitty
    29th October 2016, 10:36

    Get well soon Frank, you are one of my motorsport and business idols!!!

  7. Gary
    29th October 2016, 12:50

    Get well soon Frank!
    First race I went to I remember Frank was running some old March Cosworth, backmarker privateer

  8. Profile Photo

    Wesley (@)
    29th October 2016, 23:28

    God’s speed Sir Frank. Please get well soon. F1 needs you.

Comments are closed.