Williams Formula 1 team has been bought by private investment company Dorilton Capital. The team will stay at their Headquarters in Grove, Oxfordshire and the historic team name will remain.
Williams, one of the most historic teams on the grid, has been bought out by a US investment firm. Williams were put up for sale in May after two difficult campaigns in 2018 and 2019. The team finished last in both seasons and only managed to amass 8 points in two years. This followed a particularly successful start to the hybrid era in which the team were frequent podium visitors and finished 3rd overall in 2014 and 2015. The team will be hoping to return to winning ways, but the sale comes at a higher price for the Williams family.
When Frank Williams created the team in 1977, he was adamant that the team would remain a privateer entry throughout it’s future. As a result, this deal will be the first time the team has been part-owned by a large company. However, it has been confirmed that the team will keep it’s famous name. This will be a relief to many, who were concerned that the acquisition may erase the history of the team. Furthermore, the team will stay at it’s base in Grove, Oxfordshire, further confirmation that Dorilton Capital intend to protect Williams’ heritage.
End of an era.
“As a family we gave always put our team first,” says Claire Williams, Deputy Team Principal since 2013. “Making the team successful again and protecting our people has been at the heart of this process from the start. This may been the end of an era for Williams as a family owned team, but we know it is in good hands. The sale ensures the team’s survival but most importantly will provide a path to success.”
Williams will be looking to progress up the grid. The team are yet to score a point during their 2020 campaign, but have shown massive improvement from the previous season. Then, the team will surely be hoping to add to their 312 podiums, 114 victories, 7 driver’s championships and 9 constructors’ championships.
Many fans will be hoping to see Williams return to their outstanding form from the late 1980s and 1990s, but for now, knowing that the team has a future in F1 will be satisfactory.
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