Claire Williams

Founder of Claire Williams Consulting, Former Deputy Team Principal of Williams Racing, Former Comms Officer of Silverstone Circuits Ltd

Claire Williams is renowned for her ground breaking contributions to Formula 1 as the former Deputy Team Principal of the Williams Formula 1 racing team. After the successful acquisition of Williams Racing in 2020, Claire founded a leading consultancy firm focused on Formula 1, where she offers expert advice on leadership, team dynamics, and communication. With more than 18 years of experience in the high-octane world of Formula 1, Claire has become a highly sought-after speaker, sharing her insights and personal stories about managing a premier racing team, and addressing topics such as leadership, team performance, sustainability, green technology, and diversity and inclusion.

Claire's journey began with a BA in Politics from the University of Newcastle. She started her career at Silverstone Circuits as a Communications Officer, where she managed the bustling press office for the iconic Silverstone Circuit. This experience paved the way for her move to the Williams Formula 1 racing team as a Press Officer. Her exceptional skills quickly led to her promotion to Head of Communications in 2010. By 2011, Claire had advanced to Head of Investor Relations, overseeing the company's public listing and later becoming the Commercial Director, responsible for securing the team’s annual racing budget of £75 million.

When Sir Frank Williams, her father, stepped down from managing the Williams Formula 1 team, Claire stepped into the role of the Williams family representative, assuming new and significant responsibilities. For over seven years, she served as Deputy Team Principal, during which she led the team to its best performance since 2003 and championed diversity and inclusion within her team and the sport at large. Claire's advocacy for diversity was highlighted by her support for Susie Wolff, who became the first female driver to participate in a Formula 1 race weekend since 1992.

Claire Williams is widely regarded as one of the most influential women in modern Formula 1. Her efforts have not only made motorsports more inclusive but also propelled the Williams Formula 1 racing team to new levels of success, including consecutive third-place finishes in the Constructors Championship. Recognised with an OBE in 2016 for her contributions to the sport, Claire continues to captivate audiences as a keynote speaker, sharing exhilarating anecdotes from her tenure at Williams Racing and discussing essential themes such as leadership, team performance, and the importance of diversity and inclusion. This makes her a highly sought-after speaker for International Women's Day and other prominent events.

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