Williams’ two F1 bosses are missing in action this weekend for the US grand prix.
It has emerged that founder and boss Sir Frank Williams is in hospital in Britain, and his deputy and daughter Claire is at his bedside. “She wanted to stay there to make sure he’s responding well, which he is,” a team spokesperson is quoted by Reuters.
72-year-old Williams, believed to be the world’s oldest quadriplegic following his 1986 car accident, is reportedly being treated for a pressure sore. He is expected to remain in hospital for several weeks.
Nonetheless, the absence on Friday of Claire Williams in the FIA press conference apparently ruffled a few feathers, according to a report by Speed Week.
Once summoned by the governing body, attendance at the FIA conferences is mandatory, but a voice in the paddock said: “Typical F1 — while the sport is going to the dogs, the big thing is the absence of Claire Williams. “Maybe they should start dealing with the really big problems.”
