Lewis Hamilton reveals his Williams ‘dream’ as he reacts to F1 family leaving

Hamilton calls Sir Frank Williams’ contribution to F1 “incredible” and wants the team to fight up front; Vettel and Bottas also praise the family

Lewis Hamilton said he used to “dream” of driving for Williams, while Sebastian Vettel recalled fond memories of the team’s former glories as the multi-world F1 champions reacted to the great news from the Grove team at the Italian GP.

On Thursday it was confirmed that the Williams family would be leaving the team founded by Sir Frank Williams more than 40 years ago after this weekend’s race, following the recent acquisition by US investment firm Dorilton Capital.

Both Sir Frank, 78, and his daughter Claire, who assumed day-to-day control of the team when she became deputy team manager under her father in 2013, will be leaving their positions at one of the sport’s most iconic and successful stables, though The Williams name will remain in use.

Mercedes driver Hamilton paid tribute to Williams, in particular Sir Frank.

“I am a huge fan of Sir Frank and his incredible contribution to the sport,” said Hamilton, six-time F1 champion and 2020 leader. “He was always very positive with me and he was one of the people I respect the most here.

“He was probably one of the most honest people, if not the most honest, in Formula 1. And it’s definitely sad to see the end of a chapter, but I think the legacy will continue.”

4:44

Lewis Hamilton believes that his love of Formula One has helped him win five of the first seven races of the season.

Hamilton has never raced for Williams, although Sir Frank tried to sign him as a youngster before his move to McLaren, and his stars have not aligned in recent years, with the driver and team on contrasting ends of the grid.

But Hamilton admitted: “I was hoping at some point that they were going to come back and be out front.

“I remember dreaming of driving the car that [Nigel] Mansell had, or one from DC [David Coulthard’s] cars or something … but it never became a real option for me. And that’s when I obviously moved to Mercedes.

“But I wish them all the best and all the health in the world in their next endeavors.”

Meanwhile, Vettel drove a Williams, albeit only for a test run after shining in Formula BMW when he was young.

“I did my first test with Williams, Williams-BMW at the time, in 2005 and Frank wasn’t quite sure when Mario [Theissen, then BMW boss] he told him he was going to drive the car, “Vettel, now at Ferrari, told Sky F1.” He didn’t seem very convinced!

2:55

Sebastian Vettel admits that the situation is difficult for the entire Ferrari team at the moment, after the poor results of the cars so far this season

“But obviously that’s how we met and we have a great relationship.

“I never raced with Williams, but Williams is a team that I associate very successfully with. Brilliant performances in the 90s, German drivers, Heinz-Harald Frentzen but also Ralf Schumacher.

“It’s a shame the team has been beaten so much in recent years and had so much trouble. I hope the name sticks and I wish the best to Frank, and also to Claire.”

Bottas: ‘Sad’ Williams are leaving ‘life project’

Hamilton’s Mercedes teammate Valtteri Bottas made his F1 debut with Williams and said he wouldn’t be fighting at the front of the grid like he does today if it weren’t for their support.

“I still remember the day I first went to the factory and met Frank,” recalls Bottas. “They really believed in me and gave me the opportunity to show what I can do.

“Without Williams, without Frank, who at the time was very much in charge, I wouldn’t be here.

“I am eternally grateful for Williams and how they helped me, how they helped me develop as a driver. I got my first points with them, my first podium.

“To be honest, I was very saddened to see the news that the family is leaving the racing team. Even Frank, who was quite apart … it was his life project.

“The whole family should be very proud of what they have accomplished, and if anyone doesn’t know about the past, they should Google Williams’ results. What they accomplished is really impressive for a family team.”