Claire Williams

Claire Williams OBE is a distinguished figure in the world of Formula 1, recognised for her pioneering contributions and leadership. As the former Deputy Team Principal of the Williams Formula 1 racing team, Claire played a pivotal role in elevating the team to new heights, achieving their best performance in over a decade. She is now a sought-after speaker, captivating audiences with her thrilling anecdotes and insights on leadership, team performance, sustainability, and diversity and inclusion.

Claire’s journey in motorsports began after she earned a BA in Politics from the University of Newcastle in 1999. She started her career as a Press Officer for Silverstone Circuit. In 2002, she joined the Williams Formula 1 team as a Communications Officer. Her exceptional skills and dedication saw her rise through the ranks, becoming Head of Communications in 2010 and later Head of Investor Relations following the company’s public listing. By 2012, she was appointed Commercial Director, responsible for securing the team’s seasonal racing budget of £75 million.

In March 2013, Claire became the Deputy Team Principal of Williams Racing, effectively leading the team after her father, Sir Frank Williams, stepped down from day-to-day operations. Under her leadership, the team achieved successive third place finishes in the Constructors’ Championships in 2014 and 2015, marking their best results since 2003. Claire’s tenure was also notable for her advocacy for greater diversity and inclusion within the sport. She played a crucial role in giving Susie Wolff the opportunity to become the first female racing driver to participate in a Formula 1 race weekend since 1992. Additionally, as Vice President of the Spinal Injuries Association, she encouraged the integration of spinal cord injured individuals into the team and established workplace opportunities for wheelchair users. In 2023, she launched the Sir Frank Williams Academy, which aims to provide life-changing care for spinal cord injured people, a charitable initiative supported by the Williams Racing team.

Claire’s contributions to Formula 1 have been widely recognised. In 2016, she was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List for her services to motorsport. Her leadership and influence have been instrumental in making the sport more inclusive and sustainable. Today, she continues to impact the industry as a global Brand Ambassador for WAE Technologies, formerly Williams Advanced Engineering, and as an expert analyst on the Netflix series ‘Drive to Survive’. Her ability to navigate the complexities of the sport and drive positive change has solidified her reputation as one of the most influential women in motorsports.