Sir Frank Williams’ daughter addresses a potential F1 return in leadership capacity

Former Williams F1 team boss and daughter of Formula 1 legend Sir Frank Williams, Claire, has dismissed any possibilities of returning to the sport in a leadership role again. She visited the paddock at the British GP for the first time since she left her role at the British team in 2020.

Claire Williams was the deputy team principal and the de facto leader of the team founded by her father, Sir Frank, when he stepped away from the board in 2013. But in 2020, she stepped away from her role as the family sold their stakes in the F1 team to Dorilton.

In 2025, the 49-year-old returned to the F1 paddock for the first time since the 2020 British GP, as part of Channel 4's coverage of the event.

During an interview with Champions Speakers recently, Claire was asked whether her return to the paddock was a "one-off."

"Right now, it feels like a very special one-off. I was honored to be asked to join Channel 4 for their coverage and I loved being part of it. But I don’t see myself going back into a leadership role in F1," she replied, via Planet F1.

"I stepped away when I did for very important reasons. That said, I love the sport, I’ll always love the sport. And if I can contribute in other ways, through commentary, through ambassadorial work, I’d be delighted," she added.

The former F1 executive then claimed that it was painful for her to leave the team built by her father in 2020. She added that she was now at peace with it, as she found happiness in her personal life, especially after becoming a mother. She also reflected on her Silverstone visit as somewhat of a moment of closure.

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Claire Williams explains why her F1 paddock return was "overwhelming"

2016 Grand Prix of Azerbaijan - Practice - Source: Getty

Speaking to the aforementioned outlet, Claire Williams explained how returning to the F1 paddock at the British GP was an overwhelming and emotional experience for her. She also added that she was able to take in the atmosphere while also catching up with old faces.

Claire explained that she was happy to walk back into the paddock to enjoy it rather than with a "weight of responsibility."

"It was really overwhelming in many ways. I had stayed away since 2020 and to walk back into that environment at Silverstone, not with the weight of responsibility but with the opportunity to just enjoy it, was very emotional," she said.

“I could take in the atmosphere, see people I hadn’t seen in years and actually breathe it all in. It felt like a very different experience and one I really enjoyed," she added.

Claire Williams also paid a visit to her former team's garage while at Silverstone, and explained how the moment brought her "memories and pride." Now, the Grove-based team is led by James Vowles, with Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz behind the wheel.