Williams sees long future for historic F1 team

Even at the age of 71, Sir Frank Williams sees a long future for his eponymous formula one team.

Asked by La Presse newspaper to reveal the secret of his team’s longevity, Williams answered cheekily: "The simple answer is that we started earlier than many other teams."

Indeed, like Ferrari and McLaren, the name Williams is synonymous with formula one, and Sir Frank has no plans to change that.

"We can dream that we will continue indefinitely, and I sincerely hope so," said the Briton.

"As long as formula one exists, we will be there, and we will bring this team back on the path of success.

"Everyone is fascinated by cars, boats and planes, and that will never change. Passion and competition in sport will not change, and we hope to be part of it for a long time to come," added Williams.

The current chapter in the life of the Oxfordshire based team, however, is a particularly difficult one.

But Williams argues: "There has never been an easy time for Williams. The time when we were winning was the least difficult, but it was still very difficult.

"The time of active suspension was very difficult, but easier than it is now, because it was possible to have a definitive advantage," he explained.

"The technological gains of the 90s and 2000s have now been somewhat replaced by gains in aerodynamics, which has made it more difficult for all of the teams."