Williams: The Legendary Story of Frank Williams and His F1 Team in Their Own Words

by Maurice Hamilton

Founded in 1977 by Sir Frank Williams and Patrick Head, Williams F1 represents the last of the true independent teams; a company devoid of corporate dogma and run by enthusiasts driven by a love of racing and the satisfaction that comes with beating the rest of the world. Since its first Grand Prix victory at Silverstone on 14 July 1919, the team has won a further 116 GPs, delivered seven World Champions—among them Nigel Mansell and Damon Hill—and won nine Constructors Championships. This is the definitive history of the Williams team as told by those who have worked for Williams past and present. At the heart of the book are Sir Frank's personal recollections, along with memories and anecdotes from those at every from the shop floor to the upper strata of management; from the mechanics and machinists to the drivers—Mansell, Hill, Alain Prost, and Alan Jones among them. It relates both the incredible highs of winning against the odds while never shying the terrible lows—the tragic deaths of Piers Courage in 1970 and Ayrton Senna in 1994 among them. Conveying the history and soul of a unique band of people, Williams F1 explains exactly why the Williams team is held in more affection than any other team in Britain, if not the world.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography

384 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2009

Reviews

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

As someone who's watched F1 since the late 80s, Williams is one of the first teams I was aware of. They've been in the sport as long as I can remember. But equally I will admit not having known all that much about their history in terms of their founding and early days. I had a vague idea that Frank founded the team, it's got his name on it and that was basically all I really knew.

This book traces Frank's life, explaining how he got involved in motorsport - highlighting along the way how F1 has changed from the rather haphazard ways of doing things in the 60s and 70s, into the slick, professional teams that we see today. Contributors are honest and I learnt a lot, although the book does rather rush through the 2000s.

The only thing that lets this edition down is that there are occasional typos, but I have come to expect that in hardback editions. I assume they were corrected for the paperback edition.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a book I took on holiday with me, and I could not put it down. It gives a real insight in to the philosophy of a true Grand Prix team, and the determination of Sir Frank Williams and his business partner, Patrick Head.

In summary - a riveting read, but let down by the lack of photographs (seeing some of their past drivers in their winning cars would have been nice).

[John · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting look into the dynamics of the Williams Formula 1 team. It really portrayed the relationship between Frank Williams and Patrick Head, two very different personalities with one common goal. Lots of insights from team members, drivers, media and family.

[Jonesy_laaa · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

[Luke Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Frank Williams is an inspiring person. To achieve what he has done and to do so after such a terrible accident and injury demonstrates his toughness and perseverance.

[Mikolaj Wloszczynski]

I like this book not only because I am a huge fan of F1, but it also talks about how frank meet victory and bad. it also talks about how business in this world is important.

[Oana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Truly one of the people who shaped what F1 is today
Fly high Sir Frank

[Dean · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was good.

[Chris Harris · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really interesting throughout and a worth while read for everyone not just F1 fans.
Only criticism is the depth of tails off towards the end to the point one chapter with cover a couple of seasons. Would have preferred it end earlier and be open for a second book to cover more recent seasons at a later date.

[Neil Denham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brilliantly put together book documenting the life of Frank and the Williams team. Excellent contributions, particularly interesting ones from his wife, Adrian Newey and Patrick. I learnt a lot about F1, the history and how it all works. A great book about a unique team.

[Kristina Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is really well written. An equal level of diligence is applied across the span of Williams GP career and each chapter is concluded with actual commentary from the people involved.