The Williams Formula One team laid out their succession plans yesterday by appointing Claire Williams as deputy principal to her father Frank.

The former world champions said in a statement that Williams, 36, would work with the 70-year-old team founder, who remains at the helm, in a ‘pivotal role’ in the day-to-day running and long-term development of the business.

“The position will strengthen the future of the team and create a clear succession path for Wil-liams,” the statement added.

Williams said they had planned to make the announcement before the start of the season in Australia on March 17 but decided to delay it after the death of her mother Virginia earlier this month.

“Her knowledge of the sport is unquestionable and I’m proud to say that during her time here she has proven herself to be one of our most valuable assets,” Frank Williams, who has been confined to a wheelchair since breaking his neck in a car accident in 1986, said of his daughter Claire.

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