Claire Williams

Claire Williams is recognised for her pioneering work in Formula 1 as the former Deputy Team Principal of the Williams Formula 1 racing team. Since the successful acquisition of Williams Racing in 2020, Claire has established a leading consultancy firm specialising in Formula 1, where she provides consultations on leadership, team performance and communication. With over 18 years of experience in Formula 1, Claire is a highly sought-after speaker who shares personal anecdotes of running a leading Formula 1 team and discusses topics such as leadership, team performance, sustainability, green technology and diversity and inclusion.

After earning a BA in Politics from the University of Newcastle, Claire joined Silverstone Circuits as a Comms Officer, which included managing a busy press office for the world-renowned Silverstone Circuit. After that, she joined the Williams Formula 1 racing team as a Press Officer and was promoted to Head of Communications in 2010. In 2011, Claire was elevated to Head of Investor Relations following the company’s public listing before becoming Commercial Director, responsible for securing the team’s seasonal racing budget of £75m.

Since her father, Sir Frank Williams stepped down from managing Williams Formula 1, Claire became the Williams family representative, taking on new responsibilities. For over seven years, she served as Deputy Team Principal for Williams Racing, where she achieved the team’s best racing performance since 2003, and pushed for greater diversity and inclusion in her team and across the sport. Furthermore, Claire gave Susie Wolff the opportunity to be the first female racing driver to participate in Formula 1 since 1992, demonstrating her advocacy for greater diversity and inclusion.

Considered one of the most successful women in recent Formula 1 history, Claire is credited with making motorsports more inclusive. She is also responsible for elevating the Williams Formula 1 racing team to new heights of success, resulting in successive third places in the prestigious Constructors Championship. In recognition of her contributions to Formula 1, she was appointed OBE in 2016 and has now become a popular speaker who captivates audiences with thrilling anecdotes from her time as Deputy Team Principal of Williams Racing, as well as talking about leadership, team performance and diversity and inclusion.