The Tuscan Grand Prix on Sept. 13 marked the first time in 51 years when the Williams family was not involved in Formula One was the last race for Claire Williams as deputy team principal. Team founder Sir Frank Williams has also ended his association with the team.

Williams Racing, now owned by Dorilton Capital, has announced that Simon Roberts will be acting team principal during this transitional time period.

“It has been my greatest privilege and my biggest honor to work with everybody in our incredible team,” Claire Williams said. “But more importantly from Frank, myself and everybody in the Williams family I would like to thank all of our team, past and present, for everything they have given to us over the years. They are the true warriors of this team and we wish them all the success in the world for the future. We would also like to thank all of our fans around the world who have supported us through thick and thin for so many years.

“You have humbled us. Our time in this sport has been a huge privilege, we leave with so many memories, we have been through highs and lows, triumph and adversity and will forever love Formula One.”

Williams driver Nicolas Latifi said: “It’s been a huge privilege to race for Claire and Frank. From the moment I joined the team I felt right at home, and it was very clear the atmosphere and culture they’ve instilled is valued. You can understand why so many of the employees’ love working for them and the team. I’m going to miss them, Formula One is going to miss them, and I want to wish them all the best of luck for the future wherever life takes them.”

Williams driver George Russell said: “It’s is the end of an era and it’s been a privilege to be a part of it. What Claire and Frank have done for the team, and for the people that work for the team, is extraordinary. They’ve always kept them in their hearts and that’s still the case now.”

Frank Williams began campaigning F-1 cars carrying his own name in 1978 and was involved with other F-1 teams dating back to the 1969 season when he entered a Brabham for Piers Courage. The Team Williams era lasted 43 years and 739 championship grand prix races. It included 128 poles, 114 wins, nine constructors’ world championships and seven drivers’ world championships.

But the last world title was in 1997, and the last race wins were in 2012 and 2004.