Claire Williams, former deputy team principal of the Williams Formula 1 team, will join Channel 4’s coverage of the British Grand Prix this weekend at Silverstone, providing expert analysis and perspectives. This marks her return to the sport’s public spotlight after several years away from day-to-day involvement.
Williams, who is the daughter of iconic team founder Sir Frank Williams, held the deputy team principal position from 2013 until 2020. She stepped away from Williams F1 after the team was sold to Dorilton Capital during the 2020 season and has since maintained a low profile within Formula 1.
Williams’ Continued Connection to F1 Through Media and Ambassadorship Roles
Although Claire Williams distanced herself from direct operational roles in Formula 1, she has remained connected through media appearances, notably as a pundit in the two most recent seasons of the Netflix series “Drive to Survive.” In addition, she took on a role as an F1 ambassador for Santander in March, coinciding with the bank’s sponsorship deal with the Williams team set for the 2025 season.
Last month, Williams also co-developed a free online course on high-performance leadership, collaborating with 2009 World Champion and Williams ambassador Jenson Button. This educational initiative is part of a partnership between Formula 1 and Santander, aiming to share leadership insights from the sport with a wider audience.
Expert Commentary Role Alongside Established Broadcasting Team
Whisper Films, which has been producing Channel 4’s Formula 1 coverage since 2016, confirmed Claire Williams’ involvement for the Silverstone broadcast. The company highlighted her extensive experience and the unique insights she brings from her years at the forefront of F1 management.
Williams will join a strong presenting team including Lee McKenzie, Alice Powell, Steve Jones, David Coulthard, Billy Monger, with Alex Jaques leading commentary. Whisper Films emphasized how her presence will add depth to the broadcast for one of the most significant races of the calendar year.
Claire will be joining Lee McKenzie, Alice Powell, Steve Jones, David Coulthard and Billy Monger, with Alex Jaques leading commentary, for our Channel 4 coverage of one of the biggest races in the calendar.
—Whisper Films
Claire Williams Reflects on Leaving Williams F1 and Returning to the Sport
In a candid interview with PlanetF1.com last year, Claire Williams spoke openly about the emotional challenges of stepping away from the team and the sport she grew up in. Having been deeply embedded in Formula 1 her whole life, moving on was a significant change.
She acknowledged that the departure from Williams was difficult, saying it was a struggle to adjust to not being involved with the team and race cars that had felt like an extension of her family.
It’s not easy getting over Formula 1. It gets into your soul. It’s not easy to say goodbye to F1.
—Claire Williams
Despite the difficulties, Williams described adopting a positive outlook focused on the new opportunities and personal joys that came with stepping back. She expressed gratitude for more time with her husband and young son, highlighting this as a valuable aspect of her life outside Formula 1.
Williams’ Return Highlights Her Ongoing Influence in Motorsport
Claire Williams’ return to the F1 broadcast booth enriches the British Grand Prix coverage with her firsthand experience of managing a legendary team. Her contribution is expected to offer viewers unique perspectives backed by nearly a decade of direct involvement at the highest level of motorsport.
This return to Formula 1 media also reflects the evolving role Williams continues to play in the sport, especially as an ambassador and educator. Her partnership with Santander and Jenson Button to create leadership content further cements her ongoing influence beyond the race track.
As the British Grand Prix at Silverstone unfolds, Claire Williams’ presence on Channel 4 promises to deepen fans’ understanding of the strategies and dynamics that shape the sport, while offering rare insights from someone who has been integral to one of Formula 1’s most historic teams.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is number 13 banned in F1?
A. Yes, using 13 is permitted. Pastor Maldonado chose number 13 when the permanent numbering started in 2014. Although 13 is seen as unlucky in some cultures, F1 lets drivers decide.
Q. Why is 17 not allowed in F1? Number 17 is the only driver number in Formula 1 to be officially retired — a tribute to the late Jules Bianchi. The French driver was using #17 when he suffered a devastating crash during the 2014 Japanese Grand Prix.
A. Why isn’t the number 17 used in Formula 1?
In Formula 1, the number 17 is not used because it was retired to honor the late Jules Bianchi. Bianchi tragically passed away in 2015 due to injuries he sustained the previous year during a race. This is a way the sport shows respect to him and his memory.
Q. Why is 17 not allowed in F1?
A. The number 17 is not assigned to drivers anymore as a tribute to Jules Bianchi, who used it during his F1 career. If a driver does not pick a permanent number, they receive one connected to their team’s historical entries.
Q. Is number 69 allowed in F1?
A. Drivers can pick a permanent number for their cars between 0 and 99, except for 1. Only the World Drivers’ Champion can use the number 1 if they want, but they don’t have to.