If you’re not into Formula 1, Sir Frank Williams might not mean much to you. However the Williams name is very big in Formula 1. As a devoted fan for 25 years strong now, my love for the sport goes much deeper than the racing. Sir Frank Williams started the Williams Team 51 years ago and is the epitome of resilience. Yesterday, 3rd September 2020, it was announced that the team has been bought by investment firm Dorilton Capital and this weekend, the Italian Grand Prix at Monza (a personal favourite) will be the last with the family in charge.
Six times British World Champion Lewis Hamilton said of Williams,
“I’m a big fan of Sir Frank and his incredible contribution to the sport. He was always so positive to me and one of the people I respected most here and he’s probably one of the most honest, if not the most honest, people here in Formula 1.”
Now before you click away, this isn’t just a love letter to my favourite sport. There is a lot to be learnt about resilience from the Williams family.
Family resilience and legacy on a global stage
The Team has had its highs and lows over the years. They know what it is to taste victory and be champions of the sport. Williams have started 734 Grand Prixs, won 9 Constructors Championships and 7 Drivers Championships. For context, a team like Ferrari with all its money, muscle, might and heritage, is soon to celebrate its 1000th Grand Prix and has won 16 Constructors Championships and 15 Drivers Championships. For a family run business in such a competitive and global sport, Williams has shown its own brand of might and a hell of a lot of resilience.
Sir Frank and Claire Williams (photo WRi2)
In 2013 Frank’s daughter Claire Williams took over the day to day running of the team and stepped up as Deputy Team Principal, whilst her father remained the figurehead. In a heavily male dominated sport, Claire has picked up a legacy in very challenging times, both internally within the team and within the sport in general.
Sadly, there have been a few too many recent lows for the team as they struggle to compete with the massive budgets elsewhere on the track. Ultimately, money talks and Formula 1 is a business. A price cap on spending next year might start to shift the balance, but it seems a little too late for the Williams family.
Closer to home
I have related to Claire and looked up to her. My family’s business has always been in travel and since I was little, I was involved in some capacity. When I started my own travel business, Chiave Concierge in 2013, industry folk would often ask, “You’re not related to Frank Macaluso are you?” (Yes, he’s a Frank too).
The other Frank and I
As it stands, I have recently picked up the reins and for the past few years been supporting as Deputy to the Team Principal. There is a legacy to live up to and right now the travel business is certainly facing one of its most challenging times. But we are moving forward with resilience and a drive to succeed.
We have all faced a year of unprecedented challenges that have tested us to the max. I started The Orange Side in earnest through lockdown and had a huge spike in client onboarding as people took the bull by the horns to attack the situation with resilience.
The mere fact that my clients show up to take control, making life happen for them and not to them, is a lesson in resilience.
Success and losses leave clues
Drivers have been pouring in their support and gratitude to Sir Frank and Claire for all they have done for the sport over the years. For giving people their first shot as test drivers, such as, the four time World Champion Sebastian Vettel, or bringing home the silverware with Nigel Mansell winning a Driver World Champion title.
As many people might tell you, I can usually find a reason to draw a comparison to just about everything with Formula 1. The Williams family are a shining example of resilience and legacy that I have long admired. Their presence in the sport will be missed but success and losses leave clues. There is always something to be learned and the lessons will live long and fast.
Very best,
Natalie
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