Williams CEO: 'I think Claire needs some distance from F1'

Jost Capito says Claire Williams knew that retiring from Formula One was the right decision, but that it was nevertheless a "very difficult time" for her, especially after the death of father and Williams founder Sir Frank Williams.

Claire Williams was at the helm of the British team since 2013 after her father stepped down. In the years since, she oversaw the slow decline of the team, until the difficult decision to sell the team to American Dorilton Capital in 2020.

Claire Williams remains welcome

"I think it was very difficult for Claire to take a step back, even though she knows it's the right decision," Capito said according to F1i.com during the test days in Barcelona. The Williams CEO says he is still in touch with her and that he can always be reached if she wants to know anything.

Still, he doesn't think Formula One is the best place for her right now. "I think she needs some distance," Capito continued. The decision to sell the team was hard on her, followed by an even harder blow from the loss of her father. "We are on good terms and I want to give her the freedom she needs," Capito concludes, adding that the door is always open for her.