Just two years after leaving his original team, Williams achieved his first victory in Formula 1, as Clay Regazzoni drove a Cosworth-powered FW07 to first place at the British Grand Prix in 1979. The team’s first world Drivers’ title, for Alan Jones, came the following year as well as a first Constructors’ crown.
Over the next forty years Williams would rack up 114 Grand Prix victories, nine Constructors’ titles and seven Drivers' for racers including Nigel Mansell, Damon Hill, Keke Rosberg and Nelson Piquet.
Williams faced personal battles away from the F1 scene. In 1986 an accident in a road car near the Paul Ricard circuit in France would leave him permanently in a wheelchair after he broke his spine.
Despite his injuries, Williams continued to lead the team until 2012, when he stepped down from the role, with his daughter Claire taking his place. Claire would remain in place until 2020, when the Williams family stepped away from the sport, selling the team to Dorilton Capital.