Formula One is saying goodbye to one of the most important families in motorsport. The Williams family has stepped away from F1 after their final race in charge at the Italian Grand Prix.

One Of The Greats

It's fair to say that the Williams family name is an important one in motorsport. The Williams F1 team was created by Frank Williams in 1977, and after 43 years, a Williams will no longer be in charge. This is due to the sale of the racing team, and Claire Williams will be stepping down from her role as deputy team principal.

With someone from the family at the helm, the Williams racing team has competed in 739 Grand Prix, winning 114 of them. Williams has also taken 128 pole positions in the 43 years it has been running as a team, winning nine constructor's championships and seven driver's world championships.

Having To Sell

Williams was recently sold to Dorilton Capital, a New York-based investment firm, and it seems the former owners didn't want to get in the way. Claire Williams stepped away from the board by declaring it was time for Dorilton to run the show how they see fit.

She wanted to give the new owners a fresh start so they can take Williams back to the front of the pack. Besides doing what she thinks is right for her team, Williams also added that she was looking forward to spending more time with her family.

The Formula One racing circuit takes teams all over the world, so we're sure Claire Williams will enjoy not jetting all over the world every other weekend.

Goodbyes are never easy, and it was with a heavy heart that Claire Williams stepped away from her family's F1 team. Without a Williams at the helm for the first time in its history, it will be interesting to see where the team goes from here.